Mysuru (Karnataka): Janata Dal (Secular) leader Abdul Aziz, who had sought ticket from Narasimharaja assembly constituency, has resigned from JDS, in a major setback for the party, sources said. The letter of resignation of Abdul Aziz from the primary membership of the party and the post of secretary of the state unit has been handed over to state unit president Changai Mangalote Ibrahim. According to sources, JDS is yet to announce its candidate for the constituency after Abdul’s resignation. According to sources, his name has not been announced in the first list even though he contested and lost in 2018. He had a good connect with the voters, though he was not given priority, due to which he took such a decision.
He along with his supporters met Congress Legislature Party leader Siddaramaiah in Bengaluru today. He is likely to join the Congress soon after the meeting.
Notably, while the opposition Congress and Janata Dal-Secular have so far announced 166 and 93 candidates respectively, the ruling BJP is yet to announce its first list of candidates for the 224-seat assembly elections in Karnataka.
Karnataka will go to polls in a single phase on May 10 and the counting of votes will take place on May 13.
In Karnataka, which has 224 assembly seats, the ruling BJP currently has 119 MLAs, while the Congress has 75 and its ally JD(S) 28. The model code of conduct came into force after the announcement of elections in the state.
Former JDS leader LR Shivarame has joined BJP.
Earlier on Wednesday, former MP and expelled Janata Dal (Secular) leader LR Shivarame joined the BJP in the presence of the party’s state chief Nalinkumar Kateel and party’s national general secretary CT Ravi in Bengaluru on Wednesday. In an exclusive interview with ANI after joining BJP, Sivaram said, “In next 10 days, many more leaders will join BJP. People of Karnataka want double engine government in the state and the party will form majority.” Government in Karnataka.”
On why he left JD(S), he said, “I have been in politics for the last 40 years. I started my career with Youth Congress. But could not lead in both JD(S) and Congress.” Keep promising young members. Internal politics and conflicts occur regularly. You don’t even have the right to express your suggestions openly. That’s why I have decided to join BJP.