MYSURU: The Congress, which is yet to recover from the exit of former chief minister S M Krishna, is likely to suffer a major jolt as a former MP and ex-chairman of National Safai Karmachari Commission has decided to quit the party to join the BJP in a couple of days.
M Shivanna, who held talks with former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa and MP Shobha Karandlaje, has reportedly expressed his willingness to join the BJP along with his supporters.
He assured BJP leaders that he would work for the victory of BJP candidates V Srinivasa Prasad and Nirajan Kumar in the Nanjangud and Gundlupet by-polls. Shivanna said he held talks with BJP leaders as veterans were being neglected in the Congress. However, Yeddyurappa told Shivanna to join the party during the election campaign in Nanjangud or Gundlupet.
Meanwhile, Shivanna said he would soon quit the Congress and join the BJP. Observing that all is not well in the Congress, he charged the KPCC of neglecting veterans.
Describing Srinivas Prasad as the seniormost leader of the region who has all capabilities to occupy higher positions in public life, he said it was unfortunate that those who politically benefited from Prasad are criticising him and are trying to pull him down.
He said those people who betrayed Prasad will be given a befitting reply in the ensuing polls.
Shivanna said leaders of other prominent parties are also set to join the BJP. He said there is a wave in favour of the BJP in both the constituencies. Burying differences with Prasad, he announced he would campaign in Nanjangud and Prasad would win by an impressive margin.