Former BJP Leader CP Yogeshwar Joins Congress, Set to Contest in Karnataka By-Polls

CP Yogeshwar, a former BJP leader, has rejoined the Congress party and will contest in the Channapatna seat for the upcoming Karnataka by-elections. His return to Congress was motivated by political dissatisfaction with the BJP-JDS alliance. The by-polls are scheduled for November 13, with results on November 23.

After much speculation regarding his candidature in the Karnataka by-polls, CP Yogeshwar, formerly of the BJP, has been named by the Congress to contest the Channapatna seat. The announcement came as the party released its candidates list for the Assembly by-elections across Assam's Behali, Karnataka's Sandur, and Channapatna.

Congress has selected Jayanta Borah for Assam's Behali seat, while E Annapurna will vie for the Sandur (ST) seat in Karnataka. CP Yogeshwar, a seasoned politician with five terms as an MLA, will represent Channapatna, vacated by Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy after securing a Lok Sabha position.

Yogeshwar, who rejoined Congress formally on Wednesday, expressed his gratitude to the party and attributed his switch to dissatisfaction within the BJP-JDS collaboration that hindered his political growth. He thanked DK Suresh for facilitating his return, remarking on his deep-rooted connections with Congress, where he initially launched his political career.

The upcoming Channapatna by-elections on November 13 hold critical political significance, especially with Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy's input and the pressure from BJP leaders like JP Nadda. Yogeshwar's return to Congress illustrates his ongoing pursuit of political advancement unhindered by previous party alliances.

In a welcoming event at the KPCC office, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar acknowledged Yogeshwar's unconditioned commitment to rejoining Congress, praising his original tenure with the party and reaffirming Yogeshwar's nostalgia for his political roots.

(With inputs from agencies.)