Bommanahalli: JD(S) may field Vokkaliga mutt seer

Looks like monk Yogi Adityanath’s entry into politics has inspired godmen in Karnataka too to follow his suit.

After Lakshmivara Theertha swami of Shiroor Mutt, who filed his nomination papers as an Independent candidate from Udupi on Saturday, yet another seer is on the verge of taking a political plunge.

Vishwa Vokkaligara Mahasamsthana Mutt seer Chandrashekarnath Swami is said to be seriously contemplating contesting the May 12 Assembly elections from Bommanahalli constituency in Bengaluru on the JD(S) ticket.

On Saturday, JD(S) Rajya Sabha member Kupendra Reddy and party MLC T A Sharavana met the seer at the Mutt in Kengeri and requested him to join the party and contest the elections.

Sharavana told DH that the residents of Bommanahalli and devotees of the Mutt had been impressing upon the seer to enter politics.

“The swamiji has said that he will announce his decision tomorrow, as he is a little conflicted. If he agrees, the JD(S) will get a shot in the arm. The idea is to ensure that the Vokkaliga votes are not divided - the swami has followers across the state,” added Sharavana. The party wants to field the seer from Bommanahalli as the constituency has over 1.25 lakh Vokkaliga voters.

Speaking to reporters, the seer said that there was need for a regional party to come to power in Karnataka, as in Tamil Nadu. “I will speak to my devotees and announce my decision. JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda has been helping the Mutt for a long time. Hence I am leaning towards the idea,” he added.