In a surprising turn of events, Jagadish Shettar, a prominent Lingayat leader and former Chief Minister of Karnataka, has re-entered the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Shettar, who had left the BJP ahead of the Karnataka Assembly Election in 2023 after being denied a ticket, was welcomed back to the party at the BJP headquarters on Thursday. The event was attended by former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa and state BJP President BY Vijayendra.
Political Speculations and Congress Response
Speculations had been rife about Shettar’s return to the BJP, with Congress leaders suggesting that the move indicated a weakness within the BJP. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar remarked that both the BJP and JD(S) were grappling with a deficit of leadership and self-confidence, prompting them to join forces. Shivakumar asserted that many BJP leaders were actively pursuing Shettar’s return, interpreting it as a sign of the party’s struggle to find suitable candidates for the upcoming general elections.
Jagadish Shettar’s Political Journey
Jagadish Shettar, a six-term MLA from Hubli, had parted ways with the BJP in April 2023. At that time, he cited humiliation by senior party leaders and ill-treatment as the reasons behind his decision to quit the saffron party. Shettar had expressed dissatisfaction with the treatment he received, accusing some leaders in the state of misusing the BJP system.
Election Setback and Subsequent Role
Following his departure from the BJP, Shettar joined the Congress and contested from his Hubli-Central Dharwad constituency in the 2023 Assembly Election. However, he faced a significant defeat, losing by a substantial margin to BJP’s Mahesh Tenginkai. Despite the setback, Shettar was appointed as a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) by the Congress.
Shettar’s Stint as Chief Minister and BJP Return
Jagadish Shettar, aged 68, had previously served as the Chief Minister of Karnataka from 2012 to 2013, stepping into the role when BS Yediyurappa temporarily relinquished the position. He also held the position of Speaker of the Assembly in 2008. Now, with his return to the BJP, the political landscape in Karnataka witnesses a notable realignment, and Shettar’s re-entry could have implications for the party dynamics in the upcoming elections.
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