Meet BJP's Dr CN Manjunath, who is taking on Congress' DK brothers in Bengaluru Rural

Bengaluru Rural BJP candidate Dr CN Manjunath

Ramanagara on the outskirts of Bengaluru City, is best known for providing the setting for the Bollywood blockbuster 'Sholay' in 1975. Today, it is the scene of an intense political battle for the Bengaluru Rural Lok Sabha constituency of which it is a core part.

On one side of that contest is the Congress, which has put up three-time MP DK Suresh (58), brother of the powerful deputy CM and state party chief DK Shivakumar. The DK brothers consider Ramanagara to be their turf. On the other side is the BJP, which has fielded Dr CN Manjunath (66), a noted cardiologist and son-in-law of former Prime Minister and JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda.

Manjunath's candidacy against Suresh has made the battle for Bengaluru Rural a high-voltage contest, with both sides going all out to woo voters.

The constituency boasts a diverse range of voters, including those from areas such as IT hub Electronics City, industrial townships in Bidadi, apartment complexes in Rajarajeshwarinagar, as well as agricultural / rural areas, and satellite towns.

The Bengaluru Rural Lok Sabha constituency comprises eight assembly segments: Kunigal, Rajarajeshwarinagar, Bengaluru South, Anekal, Magadi, Ramanagara, Kanakapura, and Channapatna. Among these segments, the Congress holds five, including Shivakumar's constituency Kanakapura, while the BJP has two, and JDS: one (former CM HD Kumaraswamy in Channapatna).

In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, when Narendra Modi's wave swept the nation, DK Suresh was the sole Congress candidate to emerge victorious in Karnataka. Suresh, younger sibling of Shivakumar, won in 2013 (Lok Sabha by-poll) as well as in the 2014 polls, defeating senior BJP leader Ashwath Narayan by a margin of more than 2 lakh votes.

However, this time around, the contest is neck and neck. Shivakumar and his family members have been actively campaigning, even visiting apartment complexes to seek votes for Suresh.

For Shivakumar, Suresh's victory is crucial, as he harbours ambitions for the Chief Minister's post. CM Siddaramaiah himself has campaigned for Suresh multiple times, recognising the intensity of the battle. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has also thrown his weight behind the campaign.

The Bengaluru Rural Lok Sabha constituency is considered a stronghold of Vokkaligas and the JDS. Both Suresh and Manjunath are from the same Vokkaliga community. Manjunath, who has personal connections, mostly with his patients and their family members across the state, is being fielded by the BJP  to wrest the constituency from the DK brothers.

Also, read: Deve Gowda's son-in-law makes political debut as BJP candidate, to take on Congress's D K Suresh

Manjunath served as the head of the state-owned Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research for 18 years before retiring in January. Contesting for the first time, Manjunath took time out to speak to Moneycontrol during his hectic campaign schedule.

Excerpts from an interview

How has the response been to your campaign?

For the past 25 days, I've been extensively touring all the eight assembly segments that fall under this parliamentary constituency, and the response has been positive. In most places, both rural and urban, there's been an overwhelming response, with people expressing support and stating that it's good that you're contesting, providing us with an opportunity to vote for a good candidate. While I'm contesting on the BJP ticket, both BJP and JDS workers are working together with a lot of harmony and enthusiasm among the party workers.

Bengaluru Rural is considered a Congress stronghold, and there were reports that you were considering contesting from either Hassan or Bengaluru North. So, why have you chosen to contest from Bengaluru Rural, under the BJP symbol?

As far as choosing the constituency and selecting the symbol are concerned, it was not my decision; rather, it was the decision of the BJP high command. They requested me to contest from Bengaluru Rural, and I agreed.

There is an alliance between BJP and JDS in Karnataka so it doesn't matter whether I'm contesting under the JDS or BJP symbol; the support base remains the same. While the BJP has a stronghold in urban areas, JDS holds significant influence in rural parts.

I'm also fortunate to have the blessings of former Prime Minister HD Devegowda, as well as former Chief Ministers HD Kumaraswamy and BS Yediyurappa, all of whom have done good work during their tenure. Devegowda's influence is very much in rural areas, where many farmers still worship him. There is also a strong sentiment among the people, including a desire for Narendra Modi to continue as Prime Minister.

From stethoscope to saffron shawl, how would you describe your transition from being a doctor to a politician?

In almost every village we visit, there are at least 10 to 15 patients who have received treatment from our institution (Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research). They express their gratitude openly and have become our ambassadors in those places. This gratitude is significant as it not only boosts momentum but also serves as evidence of our work. I've demonstrated that a government institution can function as efficiently as a corporate hospital and compete internationally.

Ultimately, the common man receives high-quality care at an affordable cost, with free treatment available for deserving individuals. This affordable cardiac healthcare model has received appreciation from various agencies worldwide, including the London School of Economics, IIM-Bengaluru, and even former US President Barack Obama.

During my tenure as director, I was fully engaged with the people. I did not confine myself to an air-conditioned room; instead, I spent considerable time walking nearly 5,000 steps a day in the hospital corridors, interacting with patients and their attendants, and addressing their concerns on the spot.

What are your major achievements as the director of the Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences?

During my tenure of 18 years as the director, the institute recorded 500 percent growth. The bed strength was increased from 300 to 2,000, making it one of the largest heart-care destinations in Southeast Asia.

I introduced three key slogans and ensured they were followed: 'Treatment first, payment next,' 'Life is more important than file,' and 'Humanity is priority.' Under these guiding principles, the institute treated 75 lakh outpatients and conducted eight lakh procedures, including angiograms, angioplasties, valve replacements, pacemaker implants, and open-heart surgeries. Our institution holds the distinction of conducting the highest number of angioplasties and stent procedures in India. It is ranked number one among the top five cardiac centres for performing angioplasties.

Additionally, our institute has the country's largest super-speciality programme in DM cardiology, with an annual intake of 25 seats. Over the past 18-20 years, we have trained 350 cardiologists, both for our state and the rest of the country. We also established a 400-bed facility in Mysuru, a 370-bed facility in Kalaburagi, and several satellite centres within Bengaluru city.

The DK brothers are visiting apartment complexes for election campaigns, probably for the first time....

The fact that they (DK brothers) are personally campaigning in apartment complexes for the first time means that they have some sort of insecurity. The entire family is campaigning, which is their right. But threatening voters is not acceptable. In fact, in my opinion, this action constitutes a violation of the law. The BJP's legal cell has already filed a complaint against them. This behavior is truly a violation of the code of conduct and an abuse of one's position.

Also, read: Lok Sabha Elections 2024: EC registers FIRs against DK Shivakumar, DK Suresh, BY Vijayendra for breaching MCC

Is it Modi's guarantees versus Congress' guarantees in this election?

Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, the Narendra Modi government was providing Rs 6,000 per year to farmers. When BS Yediyurappa was the Chief Minister, the state government was giving an additional Rs 4,000, totaling Rs 10,000 a year.  But the present Congress government has stopped the state's contribution of Rs 4,000, so only the central government's contribution remains. The state government is simply reallocating Rs 4,000 to women. So, in essence, there is no additional benefit for the family.

Further, the way people perceive Lok Sabha elections and assembly elections is entirely different. In many states and constituencies, a non-NDA party that has won the assembly election has lost the Parliamentary election. I think the perception of people regarding Lok Sabha elections is completely different.

Will you become the Union Health Minister if the NDA returns to power?

I cannot say because the decision rests with the party. But I'm ready to deliver on whatever responsibility is given to me.

Is it a tough battle fighting against the powerful DK brothers?

There will be ups and downs; somebody who has risen must eventually come down. That is the law of nature.

What is your vision for Bengaluru Rural?

Resolving the drinking water issue will be the top priority. We must strive to implement projects like the Mekedatu project. Education, health, and agriculture are also major areas that require attention. We also need to focus on enhancing sericulture and adopting new technologies to make our agriculture sector globally competitive.

Additionally, strengthening healthcare facilities with more manpower is essential. Merely constructing buildings is not enough; we must ensure effective service delivery.

I also have plans to develop the rural constituency under the Smart City project. This would consist of the development of lakes, playgrounds, schools and skill development centres. These centres would provide training for rural youth, enhancing their employability. Improving rural employment opportunities is also important.

I will also explore the possibility of expanding the Metro rail system and suburban rail networks. A long-term goal will be a ring railway system to enhance connectivity and reduce traffic congestion, ultimately reducing air pollution, which is emerging as a major public health concern.