The Kolar MP first got elected in 1991 and has not looked back since. He has won every election after that —1996, 1998, 1999, 2004 and 2009. Considering this performance, Muniyappa was made minister of state for transport in the last government, a job he claims he has done well.
Only C K Jaffer Sharief and Shankaranand have made it more times to the LS than Muniyappa.
However, it is not sure if this accomplishment will ensure Muniyappa another ministerial berth. For, a senior Dalit leader —Mallikarjun Kharge—is waiting in the wings this time, having been elected to the Lok Sabha from Gulbarga.
Kharge had to give up the post of Opposition leader in the State Legislative Assembly to contest the Lok Sabha polls. He was earlier the KPCC president.
Published 19 May 2009, 18:50 IST