KMF chairman Bheema Naik says he will seek re-election

Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) chairman L B P Bheema Naik has thrown down the gauntlet to former MP D K Suresh by announcing that he would seek another term in office.

Naik, who’s seen as a close aide of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, was elected unopposed for the KMF chairnman’s post after Congress came to power in June 2023. D K Suresh, who was elected president of the Bangalore Milk Union Limited (BAMUL) last week, has set his sights on the KMF top post in a bid to revive his political career after his loss in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

After losing the Assembly polls from Hagaraibommanahalli, Naik is looking to stay relevant. If he throws his hat in the KMF poll ring, it would lead to another round of power struggle between Siddaramaiah and his deputy Shivakumar.

“I am contesting for the director’s post from Raichur, Bellary, Koppal and Vijayanagara milk union. The Dharwad Bench of Karnataka High Court has vacated a stay on the elections. The elections are scheduled for July 10,” Naik said.

“I am also a strong contender for the KMF chairman’s post from Bellary milk union (RBKVMUL).  However, the party high command will take a final call...,” he added.    

On his reported tiff with Vijayanagar DCC president Siraj Sheikh, Naik said, “I have not accepted him as DCC president. Who’s he? He had indulged in anti-party activities and has no right to ask me not to go before the media, Naik said.