BJP MLA delays decision on joining Cong

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Amidst speculation that Yeshwanthpur BJP MLA ST Somashekhar is set to return to the Congress party, the former minister clarified on Tuesday that he would make a final decision only after conferring with the BJP’s central leadership in Delhi on August 25.

After many of his supporters joined the Congress recently in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, the BJP’s high command has summoned the Yeshwanthpur MLA to Delhi.

Somashekhar explained, “I will travel to Delhi on August 25. My decision will depend on discussions with senior leaders. I’ve been advised not to disclose my decision beforehand, and I’ve consented to this. I’ll present the ground realities to them and wait for their response.”

Somashekhar had recently met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, reportedly for funds to address the drinking water supply in his constituency.

On Tuesday, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) administrator sanctioned Rs 7.63 crore to Yeshwanthpur constituency for this purpose.

Regarding his supporters aligning with the Congress, the MLA clarified that the move was related to the upcoming Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike(BBMP) elections.

He elucidated, “I had assured them of BBMP poll tickets, but they were sceptical about it. Joining the ruling Congress is seen by them as an advantageous move. If the BJP assures them tickets, they might return to the party.”

Notably, former CMs BS Yediyurappa and Basavaraj Bommai, and other leaders have engaged with Somashekhar to persuade him to remain in the BJP fold.