Lok Sabha Election 2024: Karnataka Deputy CM Hints BJP, JDS Eyeing Congress Switch Ahead Of Polls

It was asserted by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar that a significant number of party workers from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (Secular) are showing eagerness to transition to the ranks of the Congress party in anticipation of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.

During interactions with reporters at both his Sadashivanagar residence and the KPCC office, he conveyed, "Instructions have been issued to facilitate the joining process at the local level, considering the interest of many BJP and JDS party workers and leaders in Karnataka to align with the Congress party," as reported Hindustan Times.

Karnataka Deputy CM Hints

Moreover, the Congress state President emphasized that the party workers of the JDS are expressing concerns as "more and more members of the Devegowda family are entering politics." Regarding the potential implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act in Karnataka, Shivakumar indicated that a decision will be made only after comprehensive discussions with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and other party leaders, as reported ANI.

In response to queries about the finalization of the list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Shivakumar clarified, "Our responsibility is to gather opinions and feedback from the grassroots level and convey it to the Party leadership, and we have fulfilled that duty."

Potential Party Transfers Awaited Amid Political Turmoil

This is not the first time when Shivakumar has made any such statement. Earlier, he stated that several leaders from opposition parties are anticipated to join the ruling Congress in Karnataka, according to Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar. A week ago, he hinted at the inclusion of "rebel" BJP MLAs S T Somashekar and Arabail Shivaram Hebbar into the Congress, refraining from divulging further details, as reported Economic Times.

The state Congress chief instructed party workers to welcome potential additions locally, without disclosing specific numbers or names. The speculation arises amidst political turbulence, with Somashekar and Hebbar previously switching from Congress to BJP, triggering the collapse of the coalition government in 2019.