Bengaluru: BJP MLC C.P. Yogeshwar announced on Monday that he would run as an independent candidate in the upcoming Channapatna Assembly bypoll if he doesn’t secure the BJP-JD(S) coalition nomination

Yogeshwar acknowledged that Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy (HDK) is not in favour of him receiving the ticket, with speculation that he might be considering his son Nikhil Kumaraswamy for the bypoll.

The BJP leader expressed optimism that HDK might eventually support his candidacy. “Our party made him a Union Minister and I was instrumental in forming BJP-JD(S) alliance. I worked behind the scenes to make it happen, which benefited JD(S). People want this alliance to continue,” he emphasised.

“Congress is very active in Channapatna, and Shivakumar is determined to secure a win. We can’t stay idle, or we’ll lose this seat to Congress. Shivakumar will likely try to deepen the divide between Kumaraswamy and me,” Yogeshwar warned.

“There’s a group of like-minded individuals in my taluk supporting my candidacy. I’ll go to Delhi and discuss with the party leadership,” he said, adding, “Perhaps Kumaraswamy will  reconsider.”