Political Shuffle: Yogeeshwara Switches to Congress Ahead of Bypolls

BJP leader C P Yogeeshwara has left his party to rejoin Congress ahead of the November 13 Assembly bypolls. After conferring with prominent Congress leaders, Yogeeshwara is expected to contend from Channapatna. His return aims to regain ground in this key Vokkaliga segment, which he previously represented.

In a significant political shift, C P Yogeeshwara, a former BJP Minister and sitting member of the Legislative Council, has defected to the Congress. The move positions Yogeeshwara as a likely candidate in the upcoming Assembly bypolls scheduled for November 13.

Yogeeshwara's decision came after consultations with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar. He was officially inducted into Congress at a ceremony held at the state headquarters, attended by several key Congress leaders.

His shift back to Congress is seen as an attempt to bolster the party's presence in the Vokkaliga-dominated region of Channapatna, where historically Yogeeshwara has had significant influence. This realignment is part of Congress's broader strategy to solidify its foothold ahead of the crucial by-elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)