In 2011,

In 2011, following the resignation of B.S. Yeddyurappa, Shettar emerged as a major contender to the post of Chief Minister. However, he was defeated by D.V. Sadananda Gowda in the election to select the Leader of the BJP Legislature party. He continued to be a minister in the State government.

As one of the most influential leaders of North Karnataka region, he has been associated with many reforms including the Khalasa Banduri project, construction of Suvarna Vidhana soudha in Belgaum, establishment of South western railways headquarters in Hubli Dharwad etc.