Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Reflects on 1991 Election Loss and Honors Advocate Ravi Varma Kumar
In a recent event, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reflected on his controversial loss in the 1991 Lok Sabha elections, attributing it to electoral fraud. He honored senior advocate Ravi Varma Kumar, who provided legal assistance without charge during that challenging time. Siddaramaiah praised Kumar's commitment to social justice and his influence on young lawyers. The ceremony, held at Vidhana Soudha, was attended by notable figures from the legal community. This acknowledgment comes amid ongoing discussions about electoral integrity, making it a significant moment in Karnataka's political landscape.
Aug 29, 2025, 15:16 IST
Siddaramaiah Discusses Election Fraud and Legal Support
Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recently stated that he lost the 1991 Lok Sabha elections due to fraudulent practices, crediting senior advocate Ravi Varma Kumar for his legal support during that time. On Thursday, Siddaramaiah honored Kumar, recalling that during his election campaign in 1991, he could assert that he was a victim of electoral fraud. Kumar represented him pro bono, fighting his case without charging any fees. This statement comes amid ongoing discussions regarding alleged vote rigging.
During the event, Siddaramaiah acknowledged Kumar's contributions to providing legal assistance to many individuals, particularly those who are marginalized. He highlighted Kumar's commitment to social justice, noting that he offers help without any fees. Kumar's socialist ideals serve as an inspiration for today's young lawyers. Siddaramaiah reminisced about their shared history, mentioning that both he and several young lawyers, including farmer-warrior Professor Nanjundaswamy and Ravi Varma Kumar, were involved in the socialist movement during their college years.
Reflecting on his own journey as a lawyer, Siddaramaiah shared that he worked as a junior lawyer for a decade alongside Chikkaballapur. After becoming a legislator, he left his legal practice. In contrast, Ravi Varma Kumar continued his legal career while being part of the socialist party, celebrating 50 years in law and expressing hope for many more years ahead.
The ceremony was attended by High Court Justice Anu Shivraman, SP Narendra Prasad, Advocate General Shashikiran Shetty, the Chief Minister's legal advisor Ponnanna, Bar Association President Vivek Subbareddy, senior advocate Uday Holla, and former Home Minister Revanna. The event took place at the banquet hall of Vidhana Soudha, organized by the Bengaluru Advocates Association and Ravi Varma Kumar Associates. A post shared on the Chief Minister's social media highlighted the honor bestowed upon Professor Ravi Varma Kumar during the event.