Shikaripur constituency in Shivamogga district is witnessing a generational shift in the current elections. Former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, 80, who began his career as an MLA in 1983, contested for the Assembly constituency nine times and won eight times, has retired from electoral politics. However, the party is highly dependent on his campaign across the State, irrespective of his age.
Mr. Yediyurappa has been replaced by his second son, B.Y. Vijayendra, 47, as the BJP candidate. Interestingly, even before he has begun his electoral career, his followers often refer to him as the “future CM”.
Mr. Vijayendra, who has been working as vice-president of the party’s Karnataka unit, has exhibited his electioneering skills in the byelections at K.R. Pet and Sira constituencies.
