After SM Krishna, BJP plans another jolt to the Congress

After giving a severe jolt to the Congress by taking SM Krishna into its fold, the BJP is now expected to poach even more leaders. 

Sources close to CP Yogeshwar, another Vokkaliga leader like SM Krishna, say he was approached by the BJP and he is likely to switch sides before the state elections next year. 
 

If all goes according to plan, BJP will field Yogeshwar from Maddur, which is Krishna's home constituency and take Krishna's support to ensure his victory. 

"The BJP want to field Yogeshwar from Maddur. Back in his hometown, Channapatna, Yogeshwar's daughter or his brother will be fielded from the BJP. Since voters are loyal to Yogeshwar for his work, whichever party he or his family members contest will surely win in Channapatna. This factor is being exploited by BJP," said a source from the Jagganath Bhavan - the BJP's head office in Karnataka.
 

The BJP which has won Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Uttarakhand and Manipur are desperate to capture power in Karnataka. In this regard, the BJP is trying to launch its 'Operation Lotus' to poach MLAs and leaders from rival parties into its fold. 
 

When asked about whether the Congress was aware of any political developments or possible defections in the coming days, Dinesh Gundu Rao, Karnataka Working President, said Yogeshwar was not Krishna's follower. 

However, as Gundu Rao pointed out himself, it is not like Yogeshwar has firm roots in the Congress either. 

In 2008, he was an independent. He became a minister during the BJP's rule. In 2013, he, along with his supporters at the panchayat level, switched to the Congress. 

"Congress has always recognised good work," Gundu Rao said. 
 
Speaking to Asianet Newsable, Yogeshwar said, "There are strong rumours about me going to BJP. But it is not true. I am doing good work in my assembly, and that is getting recognised."

• BJP
• Congress
• SM Krishna