Madikeri: Leaders of the Kodagu Christian Association (KCA) met chief minister DK Shivakumar at Vidhana Soudha and urged him to induct Virajpet MLA AS Ponnanna into the state cabinet. The delegation comprised KCA president AJ Babu, working president Antony Robin, joint secretary Bindu Sara, and directors Joseph Sam, Johnson, Antony Joseph, Lalu Stalin, Joby, Vincent Kuttappan and Rijosh Joseph.Speaking to reporters after the meeting, AJ Babu said Kodagu had remained a BJP stronghold for nearly two decades. He noted that when the Congress regained both assembly seats in the district in 2023 under the leadership of DK Shivakumar, Ponnanna played a key role in securing the party’s historic victory in Virajpet.The delegation told the CM that rewarding Ponnanna with a ministerial berth would send a strong political message and acknowledge his contribution to the party’s success in the district.They also highlighted that, despite being a first-time MLA, Ponnanna is a constitutional and legal expert whose expertise is widely recognised across the state. They said he has a deep understanding of horticultural economics, is well aware of the challenges faced by coffee growers, and is sensitive to the aspirations of the youth. Karnataka, they argued, cannot afford to keep such a resourceful leader on the sidelines.
