Two JD(S) MLAs likely to join BJP after Sankranti

Speculations are rife in political circles that Lingasugur MLA Manappa Vajjal and Raichur city MLA Dr Shivaraj Patil are jumping ship to join the BJP after Sankranti.

The party, however, seems unperturbed by the development. Speaking to reporters here on Tuesday, JD(S) state president H D Kumaraswamy said the party would not have trouble finding replacements for the duo.

"If they have made up their mind, the party can't hold them back. The party's survival doesn't depend on the likes of such MLAs. They have not contributed for the party - instead they have gained from the JD(S). The party has survived because of its workers," he said.

Both Vajjal and Patil are knocking on the doors of other parties as the JD(S)' base has eroded in their constituencies.

Reacting to speculation that senior party leader M C Nanaiah may join the Congress, Kumaraswamy said he had read media reports to that effect. "Nanaiah has said that he is close to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. He has said nothing about leaving the party. I will speak to him, if need be," the former chief minister said.

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DKS calls on 'Akhanda'

Energy Minister D K Shivakumar met rebel JD(S) MLA from Pulakeshinagar constituency (Bengaluru) Akhanda Srinivasamurthy on Tuesday and is learnt to have assured him that the Congress will not dump him in the coming days. Srinivasamurthy, along with six other JD(S) rebel MLAs, is set to join the Congress. It is speculated that the ruling Congress is unlikely to give the ticket to Srinivasamurthy to contest from Pulakeshinagar in the coming elections.