Jagadish Shettar files nomination for Hubli Central flanked by Congress leaders

Jagdish Shettar, the former chief minister of Karnataka and a prominent Lingayat leader, has filed his nomination for the upcoming assembly elections from the Hubli-Dharwad Central constituency.

Shettar recently joined Congress after quitting BJP and said he was confident of winning the seat by a huge margin.

Shettar said he was “symbolically” filing his nomination as he had already submitted his papers online. He also said he was grateful to the Congress leadership for giving him a ticket and a chance to serve the people.

“I have worked for the development of Hubli-Dharwad and Karnataka for the last 30 years. I have a good rapport with all sections of society. I am sure the voters will bless me with their support,” he said.

Shettar also attacked his former party, BJP, for neglecting him and denying him a ticket. He said BJP had “humiliated” him and “conspired” against him. He accused BJP of being “anti-Lingayat” and “anti-farmer”. He said Congress was the only party that cared for the welfare of all communities and regions.

“BJP has betrayed the people of Karnataka. They have failed to fulfill their promises and have indulged in corruption and misrule. Congress is the only alternative for good governance and development,” he said.

Shettar’s candidature from Hubli-Dharwad Central is expected to boost Congress’ prospects in the region, where BJP has a strong base. Shettar had won the seat six times since 1994 as a BJP candidate.

He also served as the chief minister of Karnataka for ten months in 2012-13. He is considered one of the most influential Lingayat leaders in the state, along with former chief minister B S Yediyurappa.

Shettar’s switch to Congress has also created a rift within BJP, as some of his loyalists have followed him to the new party.

Shettar’s main rival in Hubli-Dharwad Central is BJP’s Pralhad Joshi, also the Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs. Joshi has dismissed Shettar’s challenge and said he was confident of retaining the seat for BJP.

The assembly elections in Karnataka are scheduled for May 10, 2023. The results will be declared on May 15, 2023.