Several leaders from BJP will join Congress, says Shivakumar

While welcoming former deputy CM Laxman Savadi to the grand old party on Friday, Congress’ chairman in Karnataka, DK Shivakumar, asserted that a number of other BJP figures would defect to the opposition in the coming days.
Speaking to the media, Shivakumar said, “Laxman Savadi is a senior leader. He is joining the party without any conditions and is becoming a member of our family. It is our responsibility to empower leaders like him, have them join our party, and make sure that they are aligned with our leadership and ideology.” He added, “Today, all the party leaders held discussions with Lakshmana Savadi. All party members extended a hearty welcome to him.”
The Congress’ state chief said further, “Along with Lakshman Savadi, many more BJP leaders will join the Congress party. We unanimously welcome everyone to the party.
He informed me that he will meet the chairman of Vidhan Parishad at 4 p.m. today, submit his resignation, and join the Congress party at 4.30 p.m.
On Friday, Savadi met Shivakumar and the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, Siddaramaiah, at the latter’s residence in Bengaluru.
Shivakumar said a press conference will be held later today where Savadi will make his political switch official.
“We are welcoming Lakshman Savadi to the party at 4 p.m. He will also address the press there. He has decided to join us,” Shivakumar told reporters on Friday.
On 12 April , Savadi resigned as a member of the Legislative Council and from the primary membership of the BJP after missing out on a ticket to seek a fresh mandate from his Assembly constituency, Athani.
Former CM Siddramaiah said, “Savadi is joining the Congress. The BJP shouldn’t have treated him like this. His only condition is that he be treated properly. It’s confirmed 100 percent that he will get a ticket to contest the Athani seat.