Karnataka Polls: Jagadish Shettar 'undecided' on joining Congress yet

Even as the poll battle heats up in Karnataka, former chief minister and prominent Lingayat leader Jagadish Shettar is likely to join Congress today, dealing a major blow to the BJP.

Shettar submitted his resignation to the Assembly Speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri at Sirsi in Uttara Kannada district. He is the second prominent Lingayat face to quit BJP in under a week after Laxman Savadi.

The 67-year-old leaders decision came after the BJP's central leadership made it clear that he has to make way for youngsters.

Top BJP leaders, including BJP's election in-charge for Karnataka Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai tried to persuade Shettar to change his mind paid no fruits as he quit as a legislator today.

Shettar, a former State BJP President and a six-time MLA reiterated that he was firm on contesting the elections. However, the oppostion Congress was quick enough anough to extend him an invitation to join the party.

Senior Congress leader B K Hariprasad said that Congress would welcome Shettar in case he wishes to join it. Describing Shettar as an "honest CM", Hariprasad said Shettar has a cleam image during his tenure at the helm.

Meanwhile, the Hubli-Dharwad Central MLA has been tight-lipped about his decision to join the Congress.

"I have not decided yet. I will speak to my wellwishers before making any decision," said Jagadish Shettar on being asked whether he will be joining Congress.

Reacting to the development, Karnataka BJP strongman B S Yediyurappa criticised Shettar's move, saying the people would not pardon him.

"The BJP has given him everything. He served as the party's state unit President, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly and Chief Minister. We also asked him to name a family member for the ticket, and also offered him to make a Rajya Sabha member and a Union Minister but he did not agree," Yediyurappa said.

"What injustice have we done to you, Why are you going to Congress?, asked Yediyurappa adding that no one can stop the BJP from coming back to power in Karnataka.

Shettar's resignation is likely to have ripple effects in his hometown of Hubbali-Dharwad- a politically significant region. The move appears to be a big jolt to the BJP, which has lost an influential leader of the Lingayat community, which stood behind the saffron party during the elections.