Mysore/Mysuru: Former  BJP Corporator and influential Lingayat community leader M. Pradeep Kumar and Lingayat Gowda Mahasabha State President Alanahalli Puttaswamy were among the several local leaders from different parties who joined the Congress at the party’s launch of the month-long  ‘Sahayahastha’ programme at Congress Bhavan near City Railway Station on Wednesday.

Speaking after joining the Congress, Pradeep Kumar said that he had served the BJP for years and had earned the confidence of the people. 

Accusing the BJP of promoting only its Hindutva campaign while ignoring the welfare of the common man, he said that he has joined the Congress under the able leadership of Siddharamaiah.

Alanahalli Puttaswamy, in his address, said that the BJP Government led by Modi at the Centre was favouring only corporates. Accusing the BJP of acting against the interests of the farmers and the poor, he charged Chief Minister Yediyurappa of ignoring the plight of the common man. The CM has also ignored Lingayat Gowda community, which has a considerable dominance in Mysuru region.

Other leaders who joined the Congress include Basavaraju, Suresh Babu, Shadakshari, Shashikumar and Praveen.