The Karnataka Congress President and Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar, accused the BJP of attempting to lure leaders and legislators from their party. Speaking on Friday, he stated that he is not silent and many leaders from the opposition party have been in contact with Congress leaders. Former Chief Minister of Karnataka, Jagadish Shettar, who had switched from Congress to BJP before returning to Congress after being denied a ticket by the BJP, recently made statements. He claimed to have ongoing discussions with several BJP leaders and accused the BJP of making efforts to attract Congress leaders to their side.
Shivakumar emphasized that he has been in regular contact with many BJP leaders and that several Congress leaders have been approached by the opposition party. He questioned who the BJP has let go and asserted that Congress leaders are being actively pursued by the BJP. Shivakumar claimed that although he has been in touch with BJP leaders, he has no intention of joining them or revealing names. He further mentioned that the Congress is aware of the BJP’s efforts to lure their leaders.
Referring to the former Chief Minister, Jagadish Shettar, Shivakumar stated that he has had extensive contact with him. However, he expressed surprise at Shettar’s announcement of leaving the party and questioned if he has left. Shivakumar clarified that he is not interested in grabbing headlines and is maintaining silence on the matter.
Shettar, who had earlier left BJP and joined Congress, only to later return to BJP and contest in the elections, accused the BJP of humiliation. Despite the potential departure of Shettar, Congress leaders in Sagar, Karnataka, seem confident, stating that while hundreds may join or leave the party, the BJP may not be able to accomplish much against Congress in the region.
Shivakumar also mentioned that Congress MLA Laxman Savadi, who had earlier hinted at working for the BJP, has decided to stay with Congress and work for the party. Despite the allegations of Operation Kamala and the fall of the Congress-JD(S) coalition government, Shivakumar remains optimistic about the unity within Congress and its ability to withstand challenges.
