Channapatna bypoll: Karnataka BJP leader C P Yogeshwar joins Congress after meeting D K Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah

Channapatna bypoll drama culminates in BJP leader C P Yogeshwar deciding to join Congress.

This morning, he met Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and later CM Siddaramaiah.

This comes amid JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy telling party members that BJP President J P Nadda had called him to enquire about the possibility to field Yogeshwar on a JD(S) ticket for the Channapatna bypolls.

Congress sources had not ruled out the possibility of Yogeshwar jumping ship if he fails to secure the BJP ticket. He is now likely to be the Congress’ candidate.

“Three days ago BJP national president called me and said he will ask him (Yogeshwara) to resign (from BJP) and join JD(S). He said he would give approval if he (Yogeshwara) is fielded as the JD(S) candidate. What else the (BJP) national president can say?” HDK had asked his party members.

The Union Minister further said he had told Nadda that the alliance is important and not the seat. "I want the NDA winning. He said he is ready to bow." According to Kumaraswamy, Nadda opined that there should be a JD(S) candidate from Channapatna seat.

“With such leaders I don’t wish to spoil my relations, which you all should understand,” Kumaraswamy told the party workers.

With PTI, DHNS inputs