Bengaluru: Amidst the growing rapport between BJP MLA S. T. Somashekhar and prominent Congress figures, including Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has sanctioned Rs. 7.63 Crore for the Yeshwanthpur Constituency to enhance its drinking water facilities. This financial provision has come to light amidst ongoing speculations regarding Somashekhar’s potential shift to the Congress party.
The convergence between Somashekhar and Shivakumar took place during the latter’s visit to the Kempegowda Layout within the Yeshwanthpur constituency. In this interaction, Somashekhar apprised Shivakumar of the pressing concern surrounding access to clean water. Furthering his efforts, the MLA sought financial support for developmental projects from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Somashekhar’s recent engagement with Siddaramaiah led to a plea for financial assistance for his constituency. This appeal yielded results, as BBMP Administrator Rakesh Singh facilitated the release of funds totaling Rs. 7.63 Crore for diverse projects in the Yeshwanthpur Constituency.
In line with BBMP’s directives, a portion of Rs. 1.63 Crore has been designated for providing potable water through tanker services in Harohalli and Kengeri. Moreover, Rs. 4 Crore has been allotted for the creation of new borewells, while Rs. 2 Crore has been set aside for maintenance endeavours.
The BBMP administrator’s fund allocation extends beyond Yeshwanthpur to areas including Dasarahallu, Yelahanka, and Bengaluru South. Notably, when compared to the funds allocated to Yeshwanthpur, these regions have received comparatively smaller allocations.
This development is noteworthy considering the funds were allocated even as several Congress MLAs expressed concerns to the Chief Minister about the shortage of resources for developmental initiatives.
In a parallel trajectory, Shivakumar has assured Somashekhar of his upcoming visit to the Yeshwanthpur Constituency on August 26 to assess ongoing projects.
Simultaneously, recent events have witnessed a group of Somashekhar’s supporters joining the ranks of the Congress party in the presence of Shivakumar at the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) Office in Bengaluru. This shift in allegiance occurred on August 21.
The political landscape has also been marked by BJP’s strategic considerations regarding leadership dynamics. A core committee meeting convened on August 21 to deliberate on the state’s political scenario, resulting in the decision to allow leaders inclined to leave the party to do so. The party’s leadership, led by B. S. Yediyurappa, expressed a desire to nurture emerging leaders in the second tier of the party hierarchy.
Yediyurappa’s statements highlighted his interactions with individuals contemplating departure from the BJP. Reports suggest that BJP MLAs Somashekhar, Byrati Basavaraj, and Shivaram Hebbar have been in contact with Congress leaders, fueling speculation about potential political realignments.
Somashekhar’s potential shift to Congress has gained traction, with the MLA actively engaging with Shivakumar and considering the move. While speculation surrounds this transition, Somashekhar emphasised that his decision hinges on discussions with the party’s central leadership in Delhi, scheduled for August 25.
The summoning of the Yeshwanthpur MLA to Delhi closely followed numerous supporters crossing over to the Congress camp in the presence of Shivakumar. In anticipation of these pivotal discussions, Somashekhar underscored the importance of consulting senior leaders and refraining from public announcements until such deliberations occur.
Addressing rumours, Somashekhar clarified that he has not received a formal invitation from the Congress party. He attributed his supporters’ recent switch as a strategic move for the upcoming BBMP elections. The Former Minister revealed his initial commitment to secure corporation tickets within the BJP for his supporters. However, he noted their skepticism and their subsequent decision to join the ruling Congress party in anticipation of potential advantages.
In the broader context, Former Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa, along with leaders like Basavaraj Bommai, have engaged with Somashekhar in an effort to retain his allegiance within the BJP fold.