V Somanna bows out of 2029 polls amid buzz on change of guard in state BJP

Bengaluru: Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti V Somanna announced on Thursday that he will not contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from Tumkur, putting to rest speculation over his candidature from the constituency.

Somanna’s announcement comes amid growing buzz within BJP circles that he is being considered as a potential replacement for the current state party president B Y Vijayendra as part of a broader strategy to revamp the party’s leadership, ahead of the 2028 Assembly and 2029 parliamentary elections.

His decision to withdraw from the race has only intensified the speculation, although no official confirmation has been made.

Speaking to reporters, Somanna clarified that his move should not be interpreted as an exit from active politics. “I will not be contesting from Tumkur, but that does not mean I am stepping away from politics,” he asserted.

His decision to withdraw from the race has only intensified the speculation, although no official confirmation has been made.