B. L. Shankar

Shankar was born in Belagodu, Chikkamagaluru district. He completed his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) at J.S.S. College, Dharwad, and earned an LL.B. from University Law College, Bangalore University.

Later in his career, he pursued advanced academic studies, obtaining an M.A. (2001) and a Ph.D. in Political Science (2008) from Bangalore University^[2]

Shankar began his political journey in the 1980s, initially rising through the ranks of the Janata Dal before joining the Congress party.

• Member of the Legislative Council (MLC): He served as an MLC from 1985 to 1990 and again from 1998 to 2004. During his second term, he served as the Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council.
• Member of Parliament (MP): In 1996, he was elected to the 11th Lok Sabha representing the Chikkamagaluru constituency.^[3]