Karnataka bypolls: BJP leader CP Yogeshwar resigns as MLC after signs of rejection of party ticket for Channapatna contest

BJP leader CP Yogeshwar flew to Hubballi to meet Assembly Chairman Basavaraj Horatti at his home office and submit the resignation letter. | Photo Credit: MANJUNATH HS

Polling for the Channapatna Assembly seat took complicated proportions on Monday (October 21, 2024), when BJP leader and aspirant CP Yogeshwar resigned from his MLC post after it was revealed that he would not get the ticket.

Although Mr. Yogeshwar told the media after submitting his resignation letter that he plans to contest as an Independent in the Channapatna bypolls, those in the political circle are curious to know if he will join the Congress to contest on its ticket.

Keeping everyone guessing, Mr. Yogeshwar said he would take two days to decide on his future course. He said he is willing to fight and vote as a BJP member even now.

Mr. Yogeshwar flew to Hubballi to meet Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti at his office and submit the resignation letter.

“I wanted to get a BJP ticket from Channapattana. I was not confirmed with the party ticket. Then, I was given an opportunity to fight on a JD(S) ticket. But I refused that request. The BJP state president told me that the party wants to field Nikhil Kumaraswamy as the JD(S) candidate from Channapatna. I wish them luck and come to Hubballi,” he said.

Possible split of votes?

It may be noted that the NDA leaders have left the Channapatna seat to the JD(S) as their leader HD Kumaraswamy previously held this seat before entering the Lok Sabha. However, given the current political climate where Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar himself is personally monitoring the Congress’ Overpoll preparations in the region, the NDA leaders have decided to ask Mr. Yogeshwar, who has represented Channapatna many times in the Assembly, to contest the elections. JD(S) ticket. However, Mr. Yogeshwar refused the offer.

His future political moves are being watched keenly as any split in the Channapatna vote could turn the polls into a challenge for the JD(S), which is mulling the possibility of fielding Nikhil Kumaraswamy.

Battle of Vokkaliga giants

DK Suresh, former Bengaluru Rural MP and brother of Mr. Shivakumar, too, revealed on October 20, 2024, that there was pressure for him to contest from Channapatna. Of the three assembly seats up for grabs in Karnataka, the Channapatna seat has attracted political attention as it has been a battle for prestige between two Vokkaliga heavyweights – Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.

In fact, the rebellion of Mr. Yogeshwar is also thought to be related to this battle between two political heroes who are willing to do everything possible to show their influence in the area and in society.

Mr. Shivakumar, who has come of age after his brother lost the recent Lok Sabha polls from the Bengaluru Rural seat and his party lost many seats in the Vokkaliga belt, is determined to redeem his pride by winning the Channapatna seat. At the same time, Mr. Kumaraswamy is determined to send a message that his hold on the constituency is unassailable, by ensuring that his party’s candidate wins the seat.