Veeranna Somanna, commonly known as V. Somanna, is an Indian politician currently serving as the Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti in the Government of India. On July 20, 1951, he was born in Doddamaralavadi, Ramanagara district, Karnataka, to Veeranna and Kempamma. Somanna is married to Shailaja, and the couple has three children.

Who is V. Somanna?

Somanna (Veeranna Somanna) is an Indian politician and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) associate. He is currently serving as the Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti for the government of India.

Personal Details:

Full Name: Veeranna Somanna

Date of Birth: July 20, 1951

Place of Birth: Doddamaralavadi, Ramanagara district, Karnataka

Parents: Veeranna and Kempamma

Spouse: Shailaja

Children: Three

Political Career:

He began his political career in local governance and was elected to the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (1983–1987).

Elected as an MLA from Binnypet in 1994 on a Janata Dal ticket.

Won the same seat again in 1999 as an Independent and in 2004 as a Congress candidate.

After constituency delimitation, he was elected MLA from Govindarajanagar in 2008.

Helped as a Member of the Karnataka Legislative Council (2010–2018).

In 2018, he won the Karnataka Legislative Assembly seat from Govindarajanagar as a BJP candidate.

In 2024, he was elected MP from Tumkur in the Lok Sabha elections.

On June 11, 2024, he was appointed Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet.

Ministerial Positions Held:

Held several key ministerial roles in the Karnataka state government, including:

• Housing Minister
• Infrastructure Development Minister
• Horticulture and Sericulture Minister
• Minister for Prisons

Current Role:

As the Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, he is responsible for:

• Enhancing railway infrastructure across India.
• Overseeing water resource management and ensuring clean water supply.
• Recently inaugurated, new railway services were inaugurated in Karnataka to improve connectivity.

Political Reputation:

He is known for his grassroots connection and strong political acumen.

Played a significant role in strengthening BJP’s influence in Karnataka, especially in Bengaluru.

It has a reputation for development-focused governance.

Career Journey of V. Somanna

Somanna’s political career spans over four decades, during which he has served in local governance, state politics, and national leadership. His journey reflects a steady rise from municipal politics to becoming a Union Minister in the Government of India.

1. Early Political Career (1983–1993):

Started his political career in local governance.

Elected as a Corporator in Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP) (now Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike – BBMP) from 1983 to 1987.

Developed a reputation as a strong grassroots leader.

2. Karnataka Legislative Assembly & Council (1994–2018):

1994: Elected as MLA from Binnypet on a Janata Dal ticket.

1999: Re-elected as MLA as an Independent candidate.

2004: Won the seat as a Congress candidate.

2008: After delimitation, contested from Govindarajanagar and won on a BJP ticket.

2010–2018: Served as a Member of the Karnataka Legislative Council.

2018: Re-elected as an MLA from Govindarajanagar (BJP).

3. Ministerial Positions in Karnataka Government:

Over the years, he held various ministerial portfolios in the Karnataka state government, including:

• Housing Minister
• Infrastructure Development Minister
• Horticulture and Sericulture Minister
• Minister for Prisons

He played a significant role in Karnataka’s urban development, housing projects, and infrastructure initiatives.

4. Entry into National Politics (2024-Present):

2024: Contested and won the Tumkur Lok Sabha seat in the General Elections on a BJP ticket.

June 11, 2024: Appointed as Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti in Modi 3.0 Cabinet.

5. Current Responsibilities as Union Minister:

As Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, he is actively working on:

• Railway Infrastructure Development (new projects, station upgrades, connectivity).
• Water Resource Management (ensuring clean water supply, rural water projects).
• Public Welfare Initiatives at the central level.

Recently, he inaugurated a new railway booking office and launched a MEMU train service in Karnataka to improve regional connectivity.

Conclusion

Somanna’s career reflects his political adaptability, administrative experience, and commitment to public service. From local governance to state politics and now a Union Minister, he has played a key role in shaping Karnataka’s political landscape and now contributes to national development.

Related Article: Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire