Hubballi: BJP leader CP Yogeshwar has stepped down from the Karnataka Legislative Council to contest the upcoming assembly by-election for the Channapatna constituency, scheduled for November 13.
“Today, I met Chairman Basavaraj Horatti and submitted my resignation. I will contest the bypoll,” Yogeshwar announced on Monday, confirming his intentions to reclaim the seat that was left vacant after JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy won the Mandya Lok Sabha seat.
Earlier in the day, Kumaraswamy responded to speculation about Yogeshwar’s candidature. “We have already supported the BJP by fielding a family member for the Bengaluru Rural Lok Sabha seat. I expect the same spirit of cooperation from our allies,” Kumaraswamy stated.
Notably, Kumaraswamy defeated Yogeshwar twice in the Channapatna elections, in 2018 and 2023. However, the JD(S) leader emphasized that there had been no direct communication with him regarding Yogeshwar’s candidacy, noting, “I’ve only seen media reports about this.”
When questioned about Congress leaders allegedly meeting Yogeshwar, Kumaraswamy remarked, “Rumors have been circulating that he might contest as an independent. Congress is actively trying to recruit him to create a divide between JD(S) and BJP.”
He further accused Congress of attempting to sow discord within the NDA alliance. “Congress knows they can’t win Channapatna alone. They are trying to exploit any division they can create between us. However, we still have time to discuss and finalize our strategy by Tuesday or Wednesday.”
Channapatna will witness a crucial by-election on November 13, with political alliances and shifting loyalties in focus as parties gear up for a high-stakes contest.
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