At a recent meeting at Shettar’s home, former chief minister Jagadish Shettar and Karnataka deputy chief minister D.K. Shivakumar pledged him the party’s support.
After the visit, Shivakumar spoke to the press and stressed the importance of sticking together in trying times. He additionally welcomed Shettar to the Congress party. However, he made no specific reference of the position or duties that would be given to Shettar in the future.
Shivakumar conveyed a message from the All India Congress Committee (AICC) President and stated that the leaders in the region and the entire state would work towards strengthening the party. While he affirmed the Congress party’s support for Shettar, he refrained from discussing specific responsibilities, noting that such announcements would be made publicly.
Shivakumar acknowledged the contributions of Shettar and other leaders who joined the Congress party, stating that they had provided strength and guidance. He highlighted the party’s efforts in organizing and convincing people to vote for the Congress party, despite facing challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to meeting Shettar, Shivakumar also visited former Deputy Chief Minister Laxman Savadi’s residence in Belagavi. Ministers Satish Jarkiholi and Lakshmi Hebbalkar accompanied him during the visit.
Jagadish Shettar joined the Congress party before the elections after being denied a ticket to contest from the Hubballi-Dharwad Central seat. This move was significant as it helped the Congress party break the Lingayat vote bank traditionally associated with the BJP. However, despite BJP’s efforts to defeat Shettar, the party suffered a significant defeat in the state’s Assembly election.
