 He was the minister for Primary and Secondary education, Government of Karnataka till 18 June 2016.In 2013, Kimmane Rathnakar (Indian National Congress) beat RM Manjunatha Gowda (KJP) by 1343 Votes to become member of the assembly for the second consecutive time.But, in 2018, he lost to Araga Jnanendra (BJP) by 21,679 votes

On 17 September 2013, he saved a family of 6 from drowning into Beguvalli Lake near Shimoga.He was coming back to Bangalore from his hometown Thirthahalli, when he spotted a car sinking with its occupants crying for help.