Exclusive | A.S. Ponnanna Likely To Stay Influential If D.K. Shivakumar Takes Over As Karnataka CM
- Kodagu Express Bureau
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Virajpet/Bengaluru: Amid intense speculation over a possible leadership change in Karnataka, with indications that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah may step down and make way for Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, political circles in Kodagu are closely watching how the transition could impact the district’s Congress leadership and development works.
Kodagu, traditionally considered a Bharatiya Janata Party stronghold, had delivered two Congress MLAs in the 2023 Assembly elections after a long gap — Virajpet MLA A. S. Ponnanna and Madikeri MLA Mantar Gowda. Since then, both leaders have emerged as influential faces within the district Congress unit.
Among them, Mr. Ponnanna is seen as particularly close to Siddaramaiah and currently serves as the Chief Minister’s legal advisor with Cabinet rank status. Political observers and Congress insiders who spoke to The Kodagu Express believe that his proximity to the outgoing leadership helped the Virajpet constituency and Kodagu secure significant government attention and funding over the past three years.
However, with Shivakumar emerging as the frontrunner for the Chief Minister’s post, questions have arisen over whether Kodagu’s political equation within the Congress government would change.
Sources in the Karnataka Congress told The Kodagu Express that Ponnanna is also known to share a strong working relationship with Shivakumar and who is likely to remain influential even under a new leadership arrangement. Party insiders said Shivakumar has closely observed Ponnanna’s legal and political handling of several sensitive matters involving the Congress government.
According to sources, Ponnanna played a key role in assisting the government in legal and political crises, including matters related to the alleged MUDA case involving Siddaramaiah, disputes surrounding state policies, and various court-related challenges faced by the government. Sources described him as an “efficient lawyer with sound legal knowledge” who managed delicate situations for the administration.
Ponnanna had also earlier worked closely with Shivakumar during his tenure as president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) Law, Human Rights and RTI Cell, where Ponnanna had begun building his political career within the Congress organisation.
“Though Ponnanna is considered very close to Siddaramaiah, he has always maintained a balanced relationship with D.K. Shivakumar as well,” a Congress source said.
Sources further indicated that Ponnanna may continue as legal advisor even if Shivakumar takes over as Chief Minister. However, party insiders believe that the possibility of him securing a Cabinet berth remains low for now, considering he is a first-time MLA and already enjoys Cabinet rank as legal advisor. This may disappoint a section of Kodagu Congress workers who have been demanding ministerial representation for the district.
Meanwhile, Madikeri MLA Mantar Gowda is also believed to enjoy good ties with Shivakumar. Political observers point out that both leaders belong to the Vokkaliga community, which could further strengthen their political understanding.
Congress insiders say that regardless of who ultimately occupies the Chief Minister’s chair, Kodagu’s two Congress MLAs are expected to retain access to the corridors of power and continue lobbying for development funds for the district.
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