EP 163 - Meet BJP's Dr CN Manjunath, Cardiologist Praised by Obama, Taking on Congress' DK Brothers

Dr. Cholenahally Nanjappa Manjunath, known as Dr. C N Manjunath, is a renowned cardiologist, who was the director of Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences & Research for 18 years, the largest Heart Care Centre in Southeast Asia. Under his leadership, the institute introduced 'Treatment First and Payment Next', praised by former U.S. President Barack Obama for providing high-quality cardiac care at affordable rates.

Recipient of the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award, Dr Manjunath is also the son-in-law of HD Deve Gowda, former Prime Minister of India. He is now contesting in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha polls on a BJP ticket against DK Suresh, brother of Karnataka's Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, from the Bengaluru Rural seat. This election is seen as a battle for leadership within the Vokkaliga community, to which both candidates belong.

In an episode of the ANI podcast with Smita Prakash, Dr Manjunath explains his delayed entry into politics despite his close ties to the JD(S) family and why he decided to contest on a BJP ticket. He discusses policies like Ayushman Bharat, aiming to provide healthcare to those below the poverty line, and the potential impact of the BJP-JD(S) alliance on his campaign against DK Suresh, the incumbent Congress MP from Bengaluru Rural.

Dr Manjunath also addresses the concerning rise of sudden heart attacks among young individuals, answering if COVID-19 vaccines play a role. He also shares insights on leading a healthy lifestyle.