Film actors playing a role in electioneering is nothing new in Karnataka. A few big names in the industry are contesing in the Lok Sabha election too.
Actor Ramya is seeking another term from the Mandya Lok Sabha constituency while Geetha Shivarajkumar is contesting on Janata Dal (Secular) ticket from Shimoga against the former Chief Minister, B.S. Yeddyurappa. Her husband and actor Shivarajkumar and her brother Madhu Bangarappa are actively campaigning for her.
Actor and former bureaucrat K. Shivaram is fighting on JD(S) ticket from Bijapur .
While Malavika Avinash, Rakshita Prem, Tara, Shruthi and Jaggesh are canvassing for the BJP, Bhavya, Jaimala, Shashikumar, Bhavana, Mukhyamantri Chandru and Umashree are holding roadshows and conducting padayatras for Congress candidates.
Mr. Shivarajkumar has confined his campaign to Shimoga. However, it is learnt that Upendra will campaign for Ms. Shivarajkumar in Shimoga for two days from Monday. Jai Jagdish and Prem are expected to join him on Tuesday. While Ms. Jaimala is campaigning in Mangalore, Bangalore, Mysore, Tumkur and Chitradurga, actor Shashikumar is touring Chitradurga and Raichur. Mr. Chandru, who recently quit the BJP to join the Congress, is campaigning in Chickballapur.
Actor and director Girish Karnad is drumming up support for Congress candidates in Bangalore.
