Former Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Laxman Savadi, who was considered the second most popular leader in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after BS Yediyurappa, is reportedly set to join the Congress party. This development comes after Savadi was dropped from the BJP’s candidates’ list for the upcoming Karnataka elections.
Savadi announced his departure from the BJP on Wednesday, a day after the party released its first list of candidates for the state assembly elections. The senior leader, who hails from the politically influential Lingayat community in Karnataka, gave a hint about his new political move without directly naming the Congress party.
Laxman Savadi. Credits – Deccan Herald
“I have made my decision. I am not one to go around with a begging bowl. I am a self-respecting politician. I am not acting under anyone’s influence,” said Savadi while speaking to reporters.
Savadi, who lost the 2018 elections from the Athani constituency to a Congress candidate, was appointed as the deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka. Interestingly, the Congress candidate who defeated Savadi later defected to the BJP and has not been given a ticket by the party for the upcoming elections.
Laxman Savadi met the Karnataka Congress top brass after quitting the BJP. Credits – India TV
The Karnataka assembly elections are scheduled to take place on May 10, and the results will be announced on May 13. With Savadi’s switch to the Congress party, it remains to be seen how it will affect the BJP’s electoral prospects in the state. The Lingayat community has traditionally been a stronghold of the BJP, and Savadi’s departure could have an impact on the party’s fortunes in the upcoming elections.
