Politics appears to offer a second innings for officials who are either retired or plan to opt for retirement. Several former IAS and KAS officials are aspiring for ticket from the Congress in the upcoming Assembly elections. Some, confident of getting their way, have already begun campaigning.
The latest aspirant is G.V. Balaram, managing director of Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd., who was instrumental in establishing the newly inaugurated Pavagada solar park. He is eyeing the Congress ticket from Pavagada (SC) reserved constituency in Tumakuru district. He has even posted a photo seeking ticket on Facebook.
As of now, at least two former IAS officers — Syed Zameer Pasha and Baldev Krishna — and two former KAS officers — Bhimsen Rao Shinde and B. Heera Naik — are vying for Congress ticket.
Mr. Shinde, who served in various capacities in the State government for three decades and retired as Additional Secretary to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, is expected to take on the two-time BJP MLA, Prabhu B. Chavan, from Aurad (SC) reserved constituency in Bidar district. Mr. Siddaramaiah has assured him ticket, sources in the party said. Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Shinde said: “I have already started campaigning.”
Sources in the party said top leaders in Davangere district are keen on fielding Mr. Heera Naik, who served as private secretary to Mr. Siddaramaiah, from Mayakonda (SC) constituency. Leaders in the district have reportedly expressed their displeasure over fielding the incumbent party MLA, K. Shivamurthy.
Mr. Zameer Pasha, who served in various roles, including that of MD of Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation, is aspiring for Congress ticket from Kolar constituency.
Mr. Baldev Krishnan, who served in various capacities in the State administration, is hoping to contest from Shivamogga Rural. If he gets ticket, he will take on Sharada Pooryanaik of the JD(S).