Dharawad: Former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar, who recently joined the Congress party ahead of the 2023 Assembly elections, has now taken on the task of devising a strategy to overthrow the BJP-led council of the Hubballi-Dharawad City Corporation in favour of the Congress. Additionally, there are indications that Shettar may be approached to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Karnataka.
Sources suggest that while Shettar may not personally contest the General election, he is keen on orchestrating the council’s ousting. In the Central constituency of the Hubballi-Dharawad City Corporation, the BJP secured 16 seats, with Shettar having been the BJP MLA for three consecutive terms. However, he lost his seat in the 2023 elections. Reportedly, 11 members of the Corporation council are in favour of Shettar’s leadership. The Corporation currently has a total of 39 councillors from the BJP, followed by 33 from the Congress, 3 from AIMIM, 1 from JD (S), and 6 independents. With the support of MPs, MLAs, Parishad members, and non-party members, the BJP’s strength in the Corporation has increased to 46 out of 82 members. If the Congress manages to attract MLAs, MIM, JD (S), and non-party members, they could potentially secure 44 seats, enabling them to win the mayoral elections scheduled for June 20.
In another proposal, Shettar has been asked to contest the Dharawad seat in the Lok Sabha election against BJP Union Minister Pralhad Joshi. However, Shettar has clarified that he will not personally contest but will make every effort to ensure the victory of the Congress candidate.
Furthermore, the Congress party has also extended an offer to make Shettar a Member of the Legislative Council of Karnataka.