Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa has maintained an intermittent, yet high-profile, association with politics, primarily through campaigning for different parties rather than directly contesting elections himself. His political involvement dates back several years; for instance, he campaigned for a Congress candidate, Adagooru H Vishwanath, as early as 2014, although at that time, he stated he was "not inclined to join politics" and that it was "not his cup of tea." This pattern of campaigning without officially joining a party continued in more recent elections.
Campaigning for Rival Parties Fuels Speculation
The speculation surrounding Darshan's political entry intensified dramatically in the run-up to recent Karnataka elections. In the 2023 Karnataka Assembly election, he was recruited by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to campaign, holding multiple roadshows in Kolar and Bengaluru rural districts. Later, in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he campaigned for the Indian National Congress (INC) candidate, Star Chandru, in Mandya. This willingness to campaign for candidates across the political spectrum suggests a focus on individual support or regional influence rather than strict party allegiance, but it consistently places him within the political discourse.
Hints Regarding a Future Political Plunge
Despite persistent rumors, an official declaration regarding Darshan’s full-time entry into politics remains elusive. In the past, he has explicitly dismissed the possibility, with a statement in 2017 noting that his personality was not "made for politics" and that he preferred to continue as an actor. However, there are ongoing discussions and subtle hints that keep the topic alive. For example, some media reports suggest that his latest film, 'The Devil', might contain an indication or a hint regarding his political aspirations or future role. Furthermore, some political observers and even fellow actor-politicians, such as Jaggesh, have publicly stated that they see leadership qualities in Darshan that could lead him to a political career.
External Predictions and Current Circumstances
The most specific "hint" that has surfaced recently comes from external sources, rather than the actor himself. Astrologer Prashanth Kini predicted that the actor will enter politics in 2027. While this is not an official statement, it adds to the widespread public speculation. It is important to note that the actor is currently involved in a legal case (the Renukaswamy murder case) and is lodged in prison. His recent public communication, conveyed through his wife Vijayalakshmi, urged his fans to remain undisturbed by rumors and to channel their energy into supporting his film, 'The Devil', suggesting his immediate focus is on his film career and legal challenges.
Campaigner, Not Yet a Politician
Kannada actor Darshan has a well-documented history of campaigning for political parties (including both the BJP and the Congress) and has held a nominated position on the State Board for Wildlife. However, there is no concrete evidence or official statement confirming his formal entry into politics as a contestant or party member. The "hint" appears to be largely speculative, stemming from a belief in his star power and an astrologer's prediction, rather than an announcement from the actor himself. Historically, he has maintained that he is an actor first.
