In a significant move, two former Janata Dal (Secular) MLAs, D.C. Gowri Shankar and R. Manjunath, joined the Congress in Karnataka. The event was attended by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president D. K. Shivakumar. Gowri Shankar, previously elected from Madhugiri and Tumakuru Rural constituencies, was disqualified in 2023 by the Karnataka High Court. Manjunath, who represented Dasarahalli in Bengaluru, lost the 2023 election. Both leaders cited the JD(S)’ alliance with the BJP as a reason for their departure, emphasizing their commitment to secularism and the Indian Constitution. Siddaramaiah hinted at more JD(S) leaders joining the Congress in the future.
Former JD(S) MLAs D.C. Gowri Shankar and R. Manjunath Join Congress in Karnataka
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