Former Karnataka deputy CM Laxman Savadi to join Congress today; Siddaramaiah assures him ticket to contest Athani seat

Savadi announced his decision to resign from the primary membership of the BJP after being denied ticket to contest in the May 10 Assembly elections.

Karnataka Assembly elections, Laxman Savadi, BJP leader joins Congress, DK Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah, Belagavi district, Athani seat, BJP denial of ticket, Legislative Council resignation, BJP versus Congress in Karnataka

Former Karnataka deputy CM Laxman Savadi with state Congress president DK Shivakumar and state LoP Siddaramaiah at the latter's residence in Bengaluru.

Listen to this article

00:00

1x 1.5x 1.8x

Even as the state Assembly elections are right around the corner, former Karnataka deputy chief minister and BJP leader Laxman Savadi is set to join the Congress on Friday, dealing a major blow to the saffron party.

Savadi, who announced his decision to resign from the primary membership of the BJP after being denied a ticket to contest in the May 10 Assembly elections, met state Congress president DK Shivakumar and LoP Siddaramaiah at the latter’s residence in Bengaluru on Friday and held discussions.

“He has agreed to become a member of our (Congress) family on his own volition,” Shivakumar, who was flanked by Savadi and Siddaramaiah, told reporters here, PTI reported. It is learnt that Savadi will join the Congress on Friday evening.

Story continues below this ad

Also Read | Rs 1 crore unaccounted cash seized in Bengaluru ahead of Karnataka polls; 2 held

Shivakumar said Savadi, a BJP MLC, would meet the Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti and tender his resignation from the Upper House today afternoon, after which he would formally join the Congress.

Speaking on Savadi’s decision, former CM Siddramaiah said: “The BJP shouldn’t have treated Savadi like this. His only condition is that he should be treated properly. It’s confirmed 100 per cent that he will get a ticket to contest the Athani seat. I hope he wins his Assembly seat.”

Ignoring Savadi’s request, the BJP had earlier this week given the Athani seat in Belagavi district to sitting MLA Mahesh Kumathalli. Savadi is a three-time MLA from Athani but lost in the 2018 elections to Kumathalli (then in the Congress).

(With inputs from agencies)

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Loading Taboola...

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Friday, Sept. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

‘Did Nazis ask Jews to leave?’: Netanyahu defies genocide allegations against Israel

World7 hr ago

Netanyahu defends Israel's actions in Gaza, blaming Hamas for using civilians as shields. He criticizes world leaders for appeasing evil and condemns their condemnation of Israel. He addresses recent attacks by Hamas and vows to bring all hostages home. The conflict has led to thousands of deaths, according to Hamas-run authorities.

View all shorts

Live Blog