With a bleak political future, many BJP and JD(S) MLAs have reportedly knocked on the doors of the Congress, jeopardising the stability of the seven-month-old Jagadish Shettar government.
According to Congress sources, 15 to 20 sitting MLAs, mostly from the BJP, have sent feelers to the party. Several ministers too are reportedly inclined to desert the saffron party and join the Congress.
Puttegowda, who is said to have got the assurance from the Congress for the party ticket, has already resigned his Assembly seat and is reportedly campaigning for the party candidates in the ULB elections.
The party high command has reportedly cleared the names of two ministers, Rajugouda and C P Yogeshwar, four independent and JD(S) MLAs and will soon decide the fate of others.
Meanwhile, Yogeshwar and Rajugouda tendered their resignation to the Chief Minister on Thursday.
Confirming the news, KPCC president Dr G Parameshwar told Express that many sitting MLAs have expressed their desire to be admitted into the Congress and the same has been conveyed to the party’s central leaders seeking clearance.
Opposition leader in the Legislative Council S R Patil said: “After sensing the definite victory for the Congress in the next Assembly elections, leaders from other parties are knocking on the Congress door.”
The Central leaders will analyse the pros and cons before admitting them into the fold, he added.