DK Shivakumar claimed that many other BJP leaders would join the Congress. (file)
Bengaluru, Karnataka:
Congress Karnataka chief DK Shivakumar on Friday welcomed former deputy chief minister Laxman Savadi into the grand old party, claiming that several other leaders of the ruling BJP would join the opposition camp in the coming days.
Speaking to media persons, Mr. Shivakumar said, “Laxman Savadi is a senior leader. He is joining the party unconditionally and becoming a member of our family. It is our responsibility to empower leaders like him.” Create and make sure they join our party.” That they are aligning with our leadership and ideology.”
He said, “Today all the party leaders had a discussion with Laxman Savadi. He was warmly welcomed by all the party members.”
The Congress state chief further said, “Along with Laxman Savadi, many more BJP leaders will join the Congress party. We unanimously welcome everyone to the party. He informed me that he will meet the Speaker of the Legislative Council at 4 pm today.” Will meet, submit his resignation, and join the Congress party at 4.30 pm.”
On Friday, Mr Savadi met Mr Shivakumar and the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Mr Siddaramaiah at their residence in Bengaluru.
DK Shivakumar said that a press conference will be held later today, where Laxman Savadi will make his political transition official.
“We are welcoming Laxman Savadi to the party at 4 pm. He will also address the press there. He has decided to come with us,” Mr Shivakumar told reporters on Friday.
Mr. Savadi resigned as a member of the Legislative Council on April 12 and resigned from the primary membership of the BJP after he was denied a ticket for a fresh mandate from his constituency Athani.
Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, “Savadi is joining Congress. BJP should not have treated him like this. His only condition is to treat him properly. It is hundred per cent sure that he will get elected from Athani.” Will get tickets to fight.” seat. I hope he will win his assembly seat.
Meanwhile, former MLC and Congress leader Raghu Achar on Friday joined former ally JD(S) in the presence of party chief HD Deve Gowda and former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy.
Earlier on Tuesday, BJP released its first list of 189 candidates. The list includes 52 new faces and 8 women.
In the 2018 elections, the BJP emerged as the single largest party by winning 104 seats, while the Congress and then ally JD(S) won 80 and 37 seats, respectively.
The term of the current Karnataka Legislative Assembly will end on May 24. The counting of votes for the 224-seat assembly will take place on May 13.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)