72 first-timers, series of resignations, BJP's struggles continue ahead of assembly polls in K'taka
Bengaluru: As the Assembly elections in Karnataka approach, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is dealing with the challenge of having 72 first-time candidates and the resignation of several senior leaders, including Jagadish Shettar, from the party. Despite this setback, the BJP has expressed confidence in its ability to field new candidates as instructed by the party high command and has maintained that the departure of senior leaders will not affect its chances in the upcoming polls.
However, Congress leader Siddaramaiah has criticized the BJP's treatment of Shettar, whom he believes has been derogated by the party. Siddaramaiah also accused the BJP of attempting to win over the Lingayat community, to which Shettar belongs, through another senior leader BS Yediyurappa.
Veteran Congressman Shamanuru Shivashankarappa and Congress legislator MB Patil have convinced Shettar to join the Congress. In response to this development, the BJP has highlighted the apolitical relationship between Shettar and Shivashankarappa, whose granddaughter is married to Shettar's son, to indicate the influence of personal relationships on political moves.
According to Arun Singh, the Karnataka In-charge of the BJP, Shettar was promised a national-level post, including membership of the Rajya Sabha, by the party high command. Despite this assurance, Shettar decided to leave the party and join the Congress. Singh suggested that voters do not appreciate individuals who work solely for their own interests.
Another prominent leader who recently quit the BJP is former Deputy Chief Minister Laxman Savadi, who joined the Congress after being denied a party ticket for the upcoming elections. These resignations and the addition of new candidates have made the political climate in Karnataka more unpredictable in the lead-up to the Assembly elections.
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Rajya Sabha adjourned till 12 pm as BJP members protest slogans against PM Modi at Congress rally
New Delhi (PTI): Rajya Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 12 noon on Monday amid uproar from Treasury benches over slogans raised against Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a Congress rally in Delhi on Sunday.
Immediately after papers were laid in the Upper House, Leader of the House and Union Minister J P Nadda condemned the Congress for the slogans, saying they reflected the party's thinking.
"With pain and an agitated heart, I want to share before the House that yesterday in the Congress party rally, slogans were shouted 'Modi teri kabr khudegi, aaj nahi to kal khudegi' (Modi's grave will be dug.. if not today, then tomorrow). This type of slogan reflects the Congress party's thinking and mindset," Nadda said.
Describing the slogans as "condemnable," Nadda said Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi should apologise to the nation.
"Congress has stooped to a low level in politics, and it is unimaginable," he added.
The remarks triggered an uproar in the House, prompting Deputy Chairman Harivansh to adjourn proceedings till 12 noon.
