‘Rakesh Shetty hosting Siddaramaiah part of larger electoral entry plan’

Bengaluru/Udupi

The recent hosting of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah by Rakesh Shetty, Managing Director of Power Smart Media Private Limited (Power TV), at his residence is being viewed by political observers as part of a calculated strategy to enter electoral politics. Multiple sources within political circles in Karkala claim the move is not merely a courtesy meeting, but a carefully scripted step in Shetty’s long-term political ambitions.

According to sources, Shetty has begun groundwork to contest the 2028 Assembly elections, likely from the Karkala Assembly constituency. The seat is currently represented by Sunil Kumar of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who remains a strong presence in the region. It should be noted that in January, 2026, a Bengaluru rural court had sentenced him to three months of civil imprisonment for disobeying an interim court order.

Sources further allege that Shetty has cultivated close ties with Congress leader Uday Kumar Muniyal, who is also aspiring for a party ticket from the same constituency. However, insiders claim that this association may be strategic. A senior Congress leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested that Shetty’s real objective could be to assess Muniyal’s political strengths and vulnerabilities, ultimately sidelining him in the race for the ticket. Ironically, Muniyal is reportedly unaware of these alleged manoeuvres.

Meanwhile, other Congress aspirants such as Kiran Hegde and Manjunath Poojary are also actively lobbying and consolidating support. Insiders now describe the principal contest within the Congress as being between Shetty, Hegde and Poojary, with Muniyal’s prospects appearing uncertain.

Sources assert that this political backdrop explains Shetty’s invitation to the Chief Minister to his palatial residence in Yennehole. Interestingly, Muniyal was also present during the visit, reportedly unaware of any underlying political calculations.

Political sources within the BJP further claim that Shetty’s media platform, known for its pro-Hindutva narratives, has helped him build proximity with certain leaders in the party. As a fallback option, he is said to be exploring the possibility of securing a BJP ticket. However, with Sunil Kumar firmly entrenched in the constituency, such a move may prove challenging.

Observers caution that Shetty appears determined to pursue his political ambitions with strategic precision, and leaders across party lines in Karkala are closely watching his next moves.