BJP Nominates Prof. M. Nagaraja for Rajya Sabha Elections in Karnataka
BJP chooses OBC leader Prof. Nagaraja as candidate for Rajya Sabha polls from Karnataka
The HinduImage: The Hindu
The BJP has selected Prof. M. Nagaraja, an OBC leader and educationist, as its candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Karnataka, following the retirement of former Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda. Nagaraja's nomination aims to strengthen the party's appeal among OBC voters.
- 01Prof. M. Nagaraja, aged 93, is the BJP's candidate for the Rajya Sabha elections from Karnataka.
- 02Nagaraja has a background in the RSS and has previously served as BJP State vice president and on the Karnataka Public Service Commission.
- 03The BJP's choice of Nagaraja is strategic to attract OBC votes, particularly after Congress leader Siddaramaiah's resignation as Chief Minister.
- 04The biennial elections are prompted by the retirement of several prominent members, including H. D. Deve Gowda and Mallikarjun Kharge.
- 05Nominations for the Rajya Sabha elections must be filed by June 8, with polling scheduled for June 18.
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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has officially nominated Prof. M. Nagaraja, a 93-year-old OBC leader and educationist, for the Rajya Sabha elections from Karnataka. This decision comes as former Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda prepares to retire from the Rajya Sabha on June 25. The party's central election committee approved Nagaraja's candidacy late on June 7, 2026, and he must submit his nomination by 3 p.m. on June 8. Nagaraja, who has been affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) since his youth, has held various positions, including BJP State vice president and a member of the Karnataka Public Service Commission. His nomination is seen as a strategic move by the BJP to enhance its support among OBC voters, particularly in light of the recent political changes following Siddaramaiah's resignation as Chief Minister. Additionally, the BJP has nominated Lingaraj Patil and Raghu Kautilya for the Legislative Council elections, opting not to re-nominate any retiring MLCs. The elections for both the Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council are set for June 18, 2026, with scrutiny of nominations on June 9 and withdrawal deadlines on June 11.
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The BJP's nomination of Nagaraja may influence OBC voter support in Karnataka, impacting future elections.
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