New Delhi: Former Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar Thursday returned to BJP, giving a major ‘Lingayat’ fillip to the party ahead of the Lok Sabha election.
Bengaluru: BJP’s Karnataka defeat had been anticipated by the political observers and perhaps also the loss of seats compared to the 2018 assembly polls as a direct and immediate effect of the resentment of the Lingayats, the single largest community accounting for the state’s 17 percent population.
With ex-CM BS Yediyurappa continuing to enjoy support across caste, community, the party's worry is if its national focus will hold up against Congress's state heavyweights
Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Congress general secretary and party in-charge of Karnataka, Randeep Singh Surjewala were among those present. Ignoring Savadi s request, the BJP had earlier this week gave the Athani seat in Belagavi district to sitting MLA Mahesh Kumathalli. ️ Karnataka Assembly Election 2023: Former Deputy CM Laxman Savadi, Denied Ticket by BJP, Meets Congress Leaders.