Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (EP)

Bengaluru, Apr 5: MLA S T Somashekar of Yeshwanthpur, who appears to be distancing himself from the BJP, has begun campaigning against the BJP candidate in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. "I stand with those who support my constituency. I will lend my support to them," he stated. Somasekhar declared his intention to campaign for the Congress candidate.

Addressing a gathering of party workers in Kengeri on Friday, he expressed his disapproval of the presence of individuals who had been ousted from Udupi-Chikmagalur constituency but were brought into Bengaluru for the elections. "Should Bengaluru welcome such individuals?" he questioned, particularly denouncing the candidacy of Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje.

"Furthermore, I have convened a meeting with all the voters in the constituency, where I provided them with an overview of recent events. Despite announcing the Lok Sabha candidate a while ago, I have not been approached for my support. There have been 7 to 8 campaigns in my constituency, yet no one has reached out to me," he lamented.

"I called this meeting because the BJP has not made any effort to engage with me. Maintaining silence in the face of such indifference would harm my self-esteem. I have endured various slights from the BJP. Neither state nor central leaders have made contact with me. Even Amit Shah did not extend an invitation. I waited until Thursday, but there was still no response. So, I called this meeting of workers," Somashekhar stated, questioning why they should support those who do not value their contribution.

When asked if he would return to the Congress, he responded, "Wait and see. I will not support the BJP. I have no allegiance to any high command. For me, the voters of my constituency are my high command. Their decision is final. I will campaign door-to-door for the Congress candidate. My commitment is to promote what is beneficial for my constituency." He emphasized his understanding of how the BJP has consistently targeted him.

Furthermore, S T Somashekhar participated in campaigning for the Congress candidate Puttanna in the teachers' council elections. Additionally, he cast a cross vote for the Congress candidate in the Rajya Sabha elections, drawing criticism from BJP leaders. Now, in the Lok Sabha elections, he has taken a divergent path, indicating a potential departure from the BJP in the near future.