In a surprising turn of events, former Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar has returned to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), less than a year after making headlines by joining the Congress. The move comes with the backing of Home Minister Amit Shah and was formalized at the BJP’s Delhi headquarters in the presence of Karnataka unit chief BY Vijayendra and ex-Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa.
Shettar’s departure from the BJP last year was marked by claims of “ill treatment,” leading to his shift to the Congress just before the 2023 Karnataka Assembly election. Despite his contest under the Congress banner, Shettar faced defeat to the BJP in the electoral battle.
“I am rejoining with the belief Narendra Modiji has to become PM again,” stated Shettar, emphasizing his faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. The 68-year-old leader, recognized as a staunch follower of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), expressed his conviction during his return to the BJP.
Visuals of Shettar meeting BJP President JP Nadda showcased a symbolic welcome with the party scarf and a firm handshake, underlining the significance of the moment. Shettar’s return adds a new dimension to the ongoing political dynamics in Karnataka.
Addressing the circumstances surrounding his return, Shettar mentioned, “In the last eight or nine months, there were a lot of discussions. BJP workers asked me to come back… Yediyurappaji and Vijayendraji also wanted me to come back… so I am rejoining.”
Responding to Shettar’s move, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of the Congress reminded that Shettar had initially joined the party after feeling “disrespected” by the BJP. “He joined the Congress stating BJP disrespected him… we gave him a ticket for the Assembly election, made him MLC after he lost…so he wasn’t disrespected in the Congress nor was injustice done,” Siddaramaiah stated.
Shettar’s return carries political significance, given his influence within the powerful Lingayat community, constituting nearly 17 percent of the state’s population. The BJP, recognizing the importance of winning back this crucial support base, has welcomed Shettar back into its fold.
The move comes amidst accusations of “desperation” from the Congress, with party leader DK Shivakumar suggesting that the BJP’s efforts to bring back Shettar are indicative of internal weaknesses within the saffron party. As Karnataka’s political landscape undergoes shifts, attention now turns to the possible implications of Shettar’s return on the upcoming general elections.
Sources By Agencies