Hubli
The political arena in the state is buzzing with Congress’s Operation Hasta, triggering rumors that certain leaders from the BJP and JDS might be considering a return to their former parties. Recent developments have caught attention, such as BJP MLA ST Somasekhar and Yallapur Constituency BJP MLA Shivram Hebbar meeting with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, causing a stir within the BJP camp. Notably, the North Karnataka region holds substantial significance due to its sizable Lingayat voter base. The Congress is actively working to sway both present and former BJP MLAs to join their ranks. Former Chief Minister and Congress leader Jagdish Shettar is poised to play a prominent role in this endeavor. Jagdish Shettar’s journey has been intriguing as well. After leaving the BJP and joining the Congress due to ticket-related issues in the previous Assembly elections, Shettar is currently locked in a political contest against Kamal Nayaka. Furthermore, Shettar’s efforts to bring former CM BS Yeddyurappa’s close associate and former MLA SI Chikkana Gowda into the Congress nearly succeeded. Adding to the mix is the involvement of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, a seasoned political figure. Sources reveal that Amit Shah reached out to Jagdish Shettar on the evening of August 25th, engaging in a persuasive 10-minute conversation. This development comes as the Lok Sabha elections are set to take place in seven or eight months, prompting BJP central leaders to reach out to party defectors. MP Shobha Karandlaje has also joined the conversation, indirectly inviting Jagdish Shettar and MLA Lakshmana Savadi to consider rejoining the BJP. The sentiment conveyed is that anyone who left the party is welcome back in the fold, particularly under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The central message is that the nation’s current leader, Modi, is highly regarded internationally, and the party aims to secure his leadership once again.
