The political arena in Karnataka is witnessing an intensified ‘Operation Hast’ initiated by the Congress party, aimed at welcoming notable leaders from opposing factions into their fold. This strategic move, highlighted by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, asserts that a considerable number of 42 leaders are awaiting their transition to the Congress party in the state. The recent entry of Ramappa Lamani, a prominent BJP figure from northern Karnataka, into the Congress, has further underscored the robustness of this operation.
Source: The Munsif Daily
The accelerated momentum of ‘Operation Hast’ was emphasized by Shivakumar, who disclosed that former chief minister Jagadish Shettar and former Deputy CM Laxman Savadi have facilitated a substantial list of leaders from various regions of Karnataka eager to align themselves with the Congress. While Shivakumar possessed the roster, he refrained from revealing the identities of the prospective new entrants. Notably, he also mentioned a BJP team’s engagement with Congress legislators, although he abstained from delving into the specifics of the interactions.
The implications of this maneuver are far-reaching, serving to fortify the Congress’s presence both at the local and national levels. The party’s concerted efforts in persuading local leaders have laid the groundwork for a systematic induction of leaders from opposing political camps. Specifically, those individuals who harbor reservations concerning the existing coalition of rival parties are finding a welcoming space within the Congress fold.
Former Karnataka CM Bommai offered insight into the genesis of ‘Operation Hast’, attributing its origin to the Congress’s setbacks in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Bommai’s comments shed light on the underlying motivations driving this political strategy, implying a proactive response to perceived vulnerabilities within the Congress camp.
Source: DH
Amidst these developments, BJP MP and former Karnataka CM in Bengaluru, Sadananda Gowda, alluded to the dynamics of national leadership within the BJP, hinting at a potential alliance with the JD(S) while maintaining a distance from state-level actors. Notably, the JD(S) experienced internal shifts, as some Muslim leaders opted to depart the party in favor of aligning themselves with the BJP, indicating a complex reconfiguration within the state’s political landscape.
