Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, representing the Dharwad Lok Sabha constituency in Karnataka, is facing opposition from some Lingayat seers in his home state ahead of the upcoming general elections. Despite the resistance, Joshi remains confident of victory, stating that he will win with the blessings of all.
Pralhad Joshi, a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has a track record of winning the Dharwad seat in three consecutive Lok Sabha elections – 2009, 2014, and 2019. His renomination by the BJP for the forthcoming elections underscores his significance within the party. Among the nine Lok Sabha members from Karnataka renominated by the ruling party, Joshi stands out.
The opposition to Joshi’s candidature stems from a section of Lingayat seers, a significant community in Karnataka. Lingayats hold considerable influence in the state’s political landscape, with prominent leaders like BS Yediyurappa belonging to this community. Some Lingayat seers allege that Joshi played a role in the replacement of Yediyurappa as the Chief Minister of Karnataka in July 2021, leading to resentment within the community.
Pralhad Joshi refrained from directly addressing the opposition’s statements, expressing his confidence in winning with their blessings. He remained non-reactive to the allegations, emphasizing his focus on securing victory in the elections.
While Dingaleshwar Swami, a Lingayat pontiff, vocalized opposition to Joshi’s candidature, the prominent Murugha Mutt distanced itself from his remarks. The Murugha Mutt clarified that it refrains from involvement in political matters and asserted that the final decision regarding candidature rests with concerned parties.
Karnataka, with its 28 parliamentary segments, will witness voting on April 26 and May 7, forming part of the nationwide seven-phase polling. In the previous 2019 elections, the BJP emerged victorious in 25 constituencies in Karnataka, including Dharwad, indicating the party’s strong foothold in the state.
As the electoral battle unfolds in Karnataka, Pralhad Joshi’s candidature in Dharwad faces opposition from a segment of Lingayat seers, alleging his involvement in political maneuvers. Despite the dissent, Joshi remains determined to secure victory in the upcoming elections, banking on the support of constituents and party backing.
Comments