Former CM Jagadish Shettar joins Congress, to contest from Hubballi-Dharwad Central, says BJP in Karnataka is controlled by a few leaders for serving self-interest
The Hindu
Senior BJP leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar joined the Congress ahead of the May 10 Assembly elections in the state.
Senior BJP leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar joined the Congress ahead of the May 10 Assembly elections in the State. A few minutes after he joined the Congress on April 17, KPCC president D.K. Shivakumar handed over to Mr Shettar the ‘B’ form to contest elections from Hubballi-Dharwad Central constituency.
Mr Shettar has won from this constituency six times since 1994. He had won all elections on the BJP ticket. He was denied a ticket by the ruling BJP to contest the Karnataka Legislative Assembly elections on May 10. For the first time, he would be contesting elections on the Congress ticket.
The 67-year-old Lingayat leader joined the Congress at the party office in Bengaluru in the presence of AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president D.K. Shivakumar and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, KPCC campaign Committee chairman M.B. Patil, and AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal.
Mr Kharge offered the Congress party’s flag and a bouquet to Mr Shettar.
Soon after joining the Congress, Mr Shettar said, “I quit the BJP and joined the Congress. Many in Karnataka are surprised that I have joined the Congress.
“There are discussions about me quitting the BJP. For the last several months, no one understood my pain. I built the party along with former Union Minister Ananth Kumar and former CM B.S. Yediyurappa. I built the party in north Karnataka. The BJP had given me several positions. I discharged my responsibilities sincerely.
“I have taken this decision after seeking the views of well-wishers. Believing in the Congress party’s principles, I joined the Congress now. A new chapter in my political life begins,” he said.
Explore 'Bold and Brave,' a tribute to Telangana's armed forces heroes, celebrating their courage, sacrifice, and inspiring future generations.
The Electric Tractor Mela in Karnataka highlights affordable, clean farming technology, showcasing electric tractors' significant cost and health benefits for farmers.
Twelve Pilibhit labourers stranded in Kyrgyzstan face harassment; district admin reports to U.P. Home Department for their safe return.
Maharashtra sets a world record by installing over 45,000 solar agricultural pumps in a month, enhancing irrigation and farmer income.
U.N. agency reports Chernobyl plant's protective shield damaged by drone strike, compromising its safety functions amid ongoing conflict.
Discover key takeaways from the FIFA World Cup 2026 draw, highlighting exciting matchups like England vs. Croatia in Group L.
The design team at The Indian Twist works on the spontaneous artworks by children and young adults from A Brush With Art (@abwa_chennai) and CanBridge Academy (thecanbridgeacademy), “kneading” them into its products, thereby transforming these artworks into a state of saleability. CanBridge Academy provides life skill training to young adults with autism. And ABWA promotes “expression of natural art in children with special needs”.
Australia imposes sanctions and travel bans on Taliban officials over human rights abuses against women and girls in Afghanistan.
U.S. and Ukrainian officials meet for a third day to advance a security framework amid ongoing tensions with Russia.
IndiGo flight cancellations: Follow LIVE updates from The Hindu as Indigo scrambles to restore flights operations on December 6, 2025.
Twenty-three individuals arrested in India Gate protest face serious charges, including assault on police and obscenity against female officers.
Pakistan and Afghanistan exchanged fire along their border, with no casualties reported amid ongoing tensions and a fragile ceasefire.
Honduran candidate Salvador Nasralla alleges fraud in presidential vote as rival Nasry Asfura narrowly takes the lead amid controversy.