The doctor is in: Who is C N Manjunath, the latest from Deve Gowda clan in politics?

BY ALL accounts, C N Manjunath is far removed from the world of politics — except by marriage. The renowned cardiologist, popular with patients and associates, and known for his calm demeanour, is making his political debut this time from Karnataka on a BJP ticket.

Married to Anusuya, the daughter of JD(S) supremo and former prime minister H D Deve Gowda, Manjunath has been pitched by the BJP into a heavy-weight contest, from Bengaluru Rural, against D K Suresh, the two-time Congress MP from the seat and the brother of Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.

With his entry, Manjunath becomes the 12 member of Deve Gowda’s immediate family to be in politics.

BJP sources said Manjunath, 66, who was awarded a Padma Shri in 2007 (under the UPA government) for his public service, was reluctant to venture into politics, but was persuaded by his father-in-law. Deve Gowda then prepared the ground for Manjunath’s entry, holding extensive meetings with JD(S) workers, especially in Ramanagara and Kanakapura regions, which fall under the Bengaluru Rural seat, before the ticket was announced for Manjunath. The BJP and JD(S) are fighting the elections together as allies, and Manjunath is a JD(S) candidate fighting on BJP symbol as part of the arrangement.

Sources said that another factor that prompted Manjunath’s selection was the loss suffered by Gowda family scion Nikhil Kumaraswamy from the JD(S) stronghold of Ramanagara in the 2023 Assembly elections. The JD(S) is banking on Manjunath reversing this setback due to his image and BJP support, helping it hold on to its Vokkaliga turf that stretches along the Bengaluru Rural constituency.

Addressing the press after being declared the BJP candidate, Manjunath said: “Lots of questions