BJP Appoints Kuruba Leader Prof M Nagaraja as National Vice President

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday appointed Kuruba community leader Prof M Nagaraja as its national vice president, a move aimed at cultivating backward classes leadership in Karnataka ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.

Prof Nagaraja, who was nominated by the party to the Rajya Sabha in June, has seen his political profile rise significantly as the BJP attempts to expand its support among backward classes across the state.

The Kurubas constitute one of Karnataka's largest Other Backward Classes communities, accounting for between 7.3% and 9.3% of the state's population. With a substantial presence across more than 150 of the 224 Assembly constituencies, particularly in north Karnataka, the community plays a crucial electoral role.

The party's outreach comes amid shifting political dynamics following the Congress party's leadership transition in the state, where Kuruba leader Siddaramaiah was replaced by Vokkaliga leader D K Shivakumar as chief minister. The BJP is also seeking to leverage Siddaramaiah’s announcement that he will not contest future elections, as well as discontent over the exclusion of Byadagi MLA Basavaraj Shivannavar from the recent Cabinet expansion.

Speaking after his appointment, Prof Nagaraja said the BJP’s newly appointed office-bearers represent all regions and sections of society. He expressed confidence regarding the party’s electoral prospects in Karnataka in the 2028 Assembly polls.

"We are sure of coming back to power. The people of Karnataka are ready to vote for us," he said.

A native of Hubballi, the 68-year-old leader has been associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh since his student days. He previously served as state president of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, state vice-president of the BJP, and as a member of the Karnataka Public Service Commission.

An academic and researcher with a doctorate in highway engineering, Prof Nagaraja has around 22 years of experience in teaching and research. Since 2016, he has overseen the party's Zilla Karyalaya Bhavan Nirman Samiti in Karnataka, managing the development of party offices across districts.