Here are the big stories from Karnataka today

Karnataka Today newsletter: Exclusive conversations with three high-profile candidates, and more

After the Assembly poll debacle in May 2023, the Janata Dal (Secular) is heading into the Lok Sabha elections in alliance with the BJP, and is contesting three seats in Karnataka. The poll is considered crucial for the regional party that is not only fighting for survival but also to retain its identity in the intensely competitive politics in the Vokkaliga dominated Old Mysore region. 

The Hindu caught up with former Karnataka Chief Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) State president H.D. Kumaraswamy, who is engaged in a high-voltage battle in Mandya Lok Sabha constituency.

Cardiologist C.N. Manjunath, former head of State-run Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, has entered the fray as the BJP candidate for Bengaluru Rural leading to a tough competition in the upcoming elections. In this Congress bastion, Dr. Manjunath is making his political debut by taking on three-term MP D.K. Suresh.

In an interview with The Hindu, he speaks about the circumstances that led to his entry into politics. He describes his plunge into politics as the ‘people’s choice’. Being the son-in-law of the JD(S) supremo H.D. Deve Gowda, Dr. Manjunath is contesting on the BJP ticket rather than the JD(S).

The erstwhile royal family of Mysuru has returned to active politics after two decades with Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, the titular head of the family, contesting the election as the BJP candidate in the high-profile Mysuru Lok Sabha constituency.

The Boston-educated Mr. Yaduveer, who says he was inspired by the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take the political plunge, took a break from electioneering and spoke to The Hindu at Beerihundi village near Mysuru, recounting his vision and plans for Mysuru and Kodagu.

The Supreme Court on April 22 reminded the Centre and Karnataka about the need to amicably resolve differences that arise in a federal structure, even as the Union government assured that “something will be done” to resolve the drought worries of Karnataka in a week’s time. A Bench of Justices B.R. Gavai and Sandeep Mehta addressed Attorney General R. Venkataramani, for the Union and senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who represented Karnataka.