Rajya Sabha polls bring Belagavi into political spotlight

Belagavi: With the Election Commission expected to issue the notification for Rajya Sabha elections any time now, political activity in Karnataka has intensified, with prominent leaders and aspirants actively lobbying for the four seats set to fall vacant.

The vacancies arise following the completion of the terms of AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, and BJP leaders Iranna Kadadi and K Narayan.

Given its strength of 137 MLAs in the Karnataka Assembly, Congress is well placed to win three of the four seats, leaving the remaining seat likely to go to BJP. One of the Congress berths is almost certain to be allotted to AICC chairman Mallikarjun Kharge, while intense internal deliberations are underway over the other two nominations.

The contest has gained added significance for Belagavi district, as two prominent contenders from the region have emerged in the race, bringing the district into sharp political focus.

Senior Supreme Court advocate Mohan Kataraki is among the leading aspirants. Known for representing multiple states in key inter-state river water disputes—including Cauvery, Krishna, Mahadayi and Mahanadi—Kataraki is regarded as a candidate with strong legal expertise, technical acumen, a pro-farmer outlook, and a federal perspective. A native of Ramdurg, his likely nomination is being viewed within Congress circles as an opportunity to elevate Belagavi’s political stature at the national level.

Former Khanapur MLA and AICC secretary Dr Anjali Nimbalkar has also emerged as a strong contender. Her growing engagement in Delhi and proximity to senior party leadership have strengthened her candidature, particularly from the standpoint of women’s representation. She currently serves as AICC co-incharge for Goa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Daman and Diu, with additional responsibility for Puducherry, where she oversees organisational strategy and coordination.

On the BJP–JD(S) side, HD Deve Gowda continues to figure prominently in discussions, and present Rajya Sabha member Iranna Kadadi is lobbying for a second term. Former chief minister DV Sadananda Gowda is also considered a likely contender.

Overall, the Rajya Sabha elections are shaping up not merely as a political contest but as a significant opportunity for Belagavi district to assert its influence in national politics.