In a surprising turn of events, former Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar has joined the Congress party ahead of the May 10 Assembly elections in the state. Shettar, a senior BJP leader, joined Congress in the presence of several prominent party leaders including AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, General Secretaries K C Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala, KPCC President D K Shivakumar and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Shettar had resigned from his post as the Hubli-Dharwad (Central) MLA after the BJP denied him the ticket to contest the Assembly polls. The 67-year old six-time MLA stated that he was forcefully thrown out of the party that he helped build, alleging that the BJP was now being controlled by only a handful of people.
“I’m joining the Congress by accepting its ideology and principles,” Shettar said in a press conference after joining the party. Prior to joining Congress, Shettar held discussions with several prominent Congress leaders including Shivakumar, Surjewala, Siddaramaiah, campaign committee chief M B Patil, and veteran party leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa (who is also Shettar’s relative).
This decision by Shettar, a prominent Lingayat leader from north Karnataka, is likely to negatively impact the BJP’s prospect in a number of segments in the region. Shettar, whose family has been associated with the BJP since Jana Sangh days, is a veteran leader and an influential figure from its bastion of Kittur Karnataka region. Over the years, he had served as a Minister, Speaker, Leader of the Opposition, and the Chief Minister of Karnataka.
The Assembly elections in Karnataka are closely watched nationwide, and every move made by the parties is under scrutiny. Shettar’s defection to the Congress is likely to have ramifications in the ongoing political scenario, and the upcoming polls in Karnataka are expected to be even more interesting.
The Chenab Times News Desk