DKS invites BJP men in C’patna to join Congress

Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, Water Resources Minister D K Shivakumar has invited BJP workers from the Channapatna taluk to join the Congress, in what is seen as a move to undermine arch-rival C P Yogeshwara.

“For BJP leaders and workers in Channapatna who relate with the Congress’ ideology and principles, our door is always open,” Shivakumar said. “Many workers who are dismayed with selfish and ulterior motives of their leaders have told me they want to join the Congress,” he said.

Shivakumar, a Vokkaliga strongman, is also the minister in-charge of Ramanagara district where Channapatna is located. BJP’s Yogeshwara, also a Vokkaliga, is considered the saffron party’s tallest leader here. His rivalry with Yogeshwara is the stuff of legend.