Political Tug-of-War in Channapatna as By-Polls Approach

Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy faces pressure from BJP's JP Nadda and Prahlad Joshi to give JD(S) ticket to former BJP leader CP Yogeshwar, as Congress shows interest in welcoming him. With Yogeshwar possibly running independently, Kumaraswamy must decide amid political uncertainties ahead of Channapatna by-polls.

In a political development intensifying the Channapatna by-polls, JD(S) state chief and Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy revealed on Tuesday that BJP National President JP Nadda and Union Minister Prahlad Joshi have urged him to allocate the JD(S) ticket to BJP's CP Yogeshwar. Concurrently, Congress leaders express readiness in accepting Yogeshwar into their fold.

Speaking to reporters post a meeting with Channapatna's political stakeholders, Kumaraswamy articulated the predicament he faces due to local BJP leaders' confusion. Highlighting that he has three days to finalize his decision, Kumaraswamy noted multiple Congress leaders publicly expressing an open-armed approach towards Yogeshwar's potential switch.

Yogeshwar, a former BJP MLC and tourism minister under the Yediyurappa government, is mulling over his candidacy. He previously articulated an openness to run with support from any party but is now claiming either a BJP ticket or independent run. As Channapatna gears up for by-polls on November 13, Kumaraswamy and Yogeshwar both watch the unfolding political scenario closely.

(With inputs from agencies.)