Bengaluru: Operation Congress has again created a storm in Karnataka state politics. In the wake of the upcoming Lok Sabha election, the Congress has opened its door to the MLAs who have joined the BJP. There is news that Yeshwantpur BJP MLA S. T. Somashekhar has fallen into the trap of Congress. The Congress MLA’s visit to the BJP MLA’s office seems to have given further impetus to the operation.
The visit of Nelamangala MLA N. Srinivas to S. T. Somashekhar’s office in Herohalli, Bengaluru created a sensation in state politics.
Also, this has created an uproar in the BJP, BJP State President Nalin Kumar Kateel, Former CM Basavaraj Bommai and Former Minister C. T. Ravi have called and spoken to S. T. Somashekar. As soon as the news of Somashekhar’s contact with Congress leaders came to light, Bengaluru North MP D. V. Sadananda Gowda called Somashekhar to his residence in the morning and discussed the matter.
It is also known that these three leaders of the State BJP had a conversation with Somashekar over the phone on August 17 morning, during which Somashekar vented his displeasure to President Nalin Kumar Kateel. I have no grudge against the state leaders, no regrets. But, how come no action has been taken against those who have worked against me in the election in the constituency? Kateel said, tell me when you will be available and I will come and meet you and discuss.
BJP MLA Somashekhar seems to have made up his mind to join the Congress. In addition to this, Somashekhar held a meeting with his supporters and it was surprising that Nelamangala Congress MLA N. Srinivas participated in this meeting.
DyCM Shivakumar had come to our constituency. At that time, I discussed the problem of drinking water in my constituency. No official had told me about their coming. Yes, a couple of good things were said about him in the program. Apart from this, I have not discussed politics with him. Local BJP worked against me in the constituency. They made the audio viral saying that I should be defeated. It seems like BJP is sending me to Congress. I have never said anything about going to Congress. Not even with our workers. I have also conducted the Prime Minister’s programme twice. But he expressed his displeasure that there is work being done against me locally.
The Congressmen did not call me to come. I have not put an application that I will go. Local BJP members have made me praise Shivakumar on social media viral. I also praised JDS MLA G. T. Deve Gowda when he went to Mysore as an In-Charge Minister earlier. He clarified that I have no plans to go to the Congress in the future.
Thus, S. T. Somashekhar is saying that he will not leave the BJP and join the Congress. However, they are resentful of some local leaders. Also, they are holding a meeting of supporters, and there is a sensation that Congress MLAs are participating in this meeting.