Former Karnataka CM Jagadish Shettar Makes Dramatic Return to BJP, Eyes Lok Sabha Bid
Bengaluru, Karnataka: In a major political switch, former Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar rejoined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday, just nine months after quitting the party to join the Congress. The return was orchestrated by veteran BJP leader BS Yediyurappa and marks a significant coup for the BJP ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Shettar, who served as Chief Minister from 2012 to 2013, tendered his resignation as member of the Legislative Council from the Congress before announcing his return to the BJP fold. He met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi, securing his approval for his re-entry.
Welcoming Shettar back to the party, Yediyurappa stated, “Everyone, including Amit Shah, was desirous of Jagadish Shettar’s return to the party. We are happy to welcome him with love and affection.”
It is reported that the BJP is considering fielding Shettar from either the Belagavi or Haveri Lok Sabha seats in the upcoming national elections. The move to woo back Shettar, a prominent Lingayat leader, is seen as an attempt to consolidate the BJP’s hold over this influential community in Karnataka.
Speaking to reporters, Shettar stated, “I have resigned from the MLC post and submitted my resignation to the chairman and the Congress party via email.” He further added, “I am grateful to Amit Shah and BS Yediyurappa for welcoming me back into the BJP family.”
Shettar’s return to the BJP is sure to send shockwaves through the political landscape of Karnataka. His resignation from the Congress just before the crucial Lok Sabha elections raises questions about the stability of the party in the state.
It remains to be seen how the Congress will counter this unexpected move and whether Shettar’s return will indeed translate into electoral success for the BJP. The battle lines for the Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka are now firmly drawn, and Shettar’s return has added a new layer of intrigue to the already-heated contest.
