Karnataka Elections 2023: Politics is nearing its peak in Karnataka as the state gears up for assembly elections next month and party-hopping by the leaders begins to come forth. Amid rising speculations of several turncoats from both BJP and Congress in the state, former Karnataka deputy CM Laxman Savadi joined Congress and now will contest the polls on its ticket. The development came after the saffron party denied him a ticket for the upcoming assembly polls in the state. Now, Congress has taken this opportunity hit attack BJP alleging the latter of not treating its leaders in the right way.
While talking to the media, former Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said that BJP should not have treated Savadi like this by denying him a ticket at all despite the fact that he's a senior leader in the party.
"Laxman Savadi was denied a ticket (by the BJP). Since he is a senior leader, BJP shouldn't have treated him like this. The only condition Savadi has made (to Congress) is that he should be treated properly with all due respect," he added.
Karnataka Congress chief D K Shivakumar also stressed the same adding that 'Laxman Savadi was humiliated by the BJP'. He said, "He (Laxman Savadi) feels that he has been humiliated (by the BJP). It is our duty to take such great leaders into Congress. Around 9-10 sitting legislators want to join us but we don't have space to accommodate them."
The BJP on Friday sharply reacted to Congress's decision to give a ticket to former Karnataka deputy CM Laxman Savadi who recently left BJP. Arun Singh, BJP Karnataka in-charge said, "Even after losing the election, BJP made him deputy CM and then MLC, even after that, he is going to a party (Congress) with such quarrels where the leaders are divided into two groups. He has made a big mistake & will regret it later."
The Congress has given a ticket to former Karnataka Deputy CM Laxman Savadi who had quit the BJP after he was denied a ticket to contest the polls. He will now contest from Athani. This after he met State Congress president DK Shivakumar and former chief minister Siddaramaiah in Bengaluru. Sources said Savadi was in touch with the Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular) and weighing his options after he quit the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Laxman Savadi on April 12 resigned as a Legislative Council member and from the primary membership of the BJP after he was denied the ticket from the Athani constituency.
Sitting MLA Mahesh Kumathalli, who was backed by BJP leader and former Minister Ramesh Jarkiholi, was given a ticket in Athani in the Belagavi district.
Karnataka will go to polls on May 10 while the results will be announced on May 13.