Channapatna Assembly Bypoll: CP Yogeshwar Says He Will Contest as Independent

Bengaluru, Express News: BJP MLC C P Yogeshwar announced on Monday that he intends to run as an independent candidate in the upcoming Channapatna Assembly bypoll if the BJP does not grant him the party’s ticket.

Yogeshwar’s decision could create complications for the BJP-JD(S) alliance in Channapatna, a seat where Congress, led by Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, is aggressively working to secure a win.

The Channapatna seat was previously held by H D Kumaraswamy of the JD(S) before he was elected as the MP for Mandya.

“I am a strong contender for the bypoll ticket. If the party doesn’t nominate me, I will contest independently while staying aligned with the NDA,” Yogeshwar told reporters.

Yogeshwar acknowledged that Kumaraswamy, the JD(S) state president and a union minister, is not inclined to support his candidacy. There is speculation that Kumaraswamy might be considering his son Nikhil for the bypoll ticket.

“Kumaraswamy and I have been political opponents for years. I believe I am the most suitable candidate for the seat he has vacated. That is the basis of my claim,” Yogeshwar said.

The BJP leader expressed optimism that Kumaraswamy might eventually support his candidacy. “Our party made him a union minister, and I was instrumental in forming the BJP-JD(S) alliance. I played a significant role in bringing this alliance to fruition, which benefited JD(S). The public wants this alliance to continue,” Yogeshwar stated.

Highlighting his own significance, Yogeshwar added, “In Hassan, our BJP leaders did not back the JD(S), and the outcome was clear to everyone. What would have happened in Ramanagara if I hadn’t set aside our rivalry and cooperated? I put our differences aside for the sake of the NDA.”

Yogeshwar suggested that the Channapatna bypoll might take place concurrently with the Maharashtra Assembly election.

“Congress is highly active, and D K Shivakumar is determined to win in Channapatna. We cannot remain passive, or we risk losing this seat to Congress,” Yogeshwar cautioned.

Yogeshwar expressed confidence that he can win the bypoll regardless of the party symbol under which he contests. “There is a group of supporters in my taluk urging me to run. I will travel to Delhi to discuss this with the party leadership,” he mentioned. “Perhaps Kumaraswamy will reconsider,” he added.

When asked if he had received any offers from Congress, Yogeshwar replied, “I haven’t considered that, and no one has approached me. Shivakumar will undoubtedly attempt to exploit the differences between Kumaraswamy and me.”