Former Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar has rejoined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) less than a year after leaving, citing “ill treatment,” and joining the Congress. His return, approved by Home Minister Amit Shah, unfolded at the BJP’s Delhi headquarters in the presence of key leaders. Shettar, a six-time MLA and a known supporter of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), expressed his belief in Narendra Modi’s leadership, emphasizing his desire for Modi to become the Prime Minister again. 

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Jagadish Shettar’s re-entry into the BJP was marked by a symbolic meeting with party leader JP Nadda, who welcomed him with a party scarf and a firm handshake. The reunion took place at the BJP headquarters in Delhi, where Shettar conveyed his confidence in Narendra Modi’s leadership. The BJP’s Karnataka unit leader BY Vijayendra and ex-Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa were also present to endorse Shettar’s return.

Shettar attributed his return to the BJP to the overwhelming support and requests from party members, including Yediyurappa and Vijayendra. He mentioned that discussions took place over the past eight or nine months, leading to his decision to rejoin the BJP. Shettar’s departure from the BJP and subsequent joining of the Congress were initially motivated by what he described as “some issues” within the party.

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Responding to Shettar’s return, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah highlighted that Shettar had joined the Congress after feeling disrespected by the BJP. He clarified that the Congress had given Shettar a ticket for the Assembly election and appointed him as an MLC after his defeat, refuting any claims of injustice or disrespect.

Shettar’s initial move to the Congress came after he was denied a ticket for the 2023 Karnataka Assembly election. However, Yediyurappa, expressing regret over Shettar’s departure, revealed that promises of Rajya Sabha membership and a potential Union Minister position were made to persuade him to stay within the BJP fold.

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In the last Karnataka election, Shettar faced defeat in the Hubli-Dharwad (Central) seat, a constituency he had previously won in three consecutive Assembly elections. He attributed his loss to “money power and pressure tactics,” accusing his BJP rival of distributing currency notes to voters. Shettar, belonging to the influential Lingayat community, holds significance in a region where the Congress secured a substantial victory by winning a significant portion of Lingayat votes.

Shettar’s return to the BJP has triggered speculations and reactions from political opponents. The Congress’ DK Shivakumar labeled the move as a sign of BJP’s “desperation” and suggested a lack of viable candidates for the upcoming general elections. Shettar’s influence within the Lingayat community, constituting nearly 17 percent of the population, makes his political maneuverings crucial for any party aiming to secure their support.