C P Yogeshwar Resigns to Contest Channapatna By-Elections Independently

C P Yogeshwar, a member of the Karnataka Legislative Council, has resigned from his position, signaling his intent to run as an independent candidate in the upcoming Channapatna by-elections. His resignation was duly accepted by the Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraja Horatti in Huballi on Monday.

Yogeshwar, previously associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party and a former tourism minister in the BS Yediyurappa cabinet, has not yet revealed his final stance on party allegiance but has expressed interest in contesting the Channapatna seat independently. He highlighted the uncertainty surrounding political decisions, acknowledging the spread of rumors as the electoral date approaches.

Yogeshwar appealed to influential political figures, including Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, seeking an opportunity to participate in the bypolls. He emphasized his long-standing association with the BJP, urging its leadership to consider his candidacy. Meanwhile, Channapatna prepares for the November 13 by-election, necessitated by JD(S) leader D Kumaraswamy's Lok Sabha election victory, which left the assembly seat vacant.

Leader of the Opposition in Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka, addressed reports of conflicting interests between the BJP and JD(S) over the seat. He dismissed claims of a tussle, affirming a cordial discussion with Kumaraswamy. Ashoka assured that a decision regarding party symbol allocation for the bypoll would be finalized imminently, either by JDS or BJP, under the NDA’s discretion.