From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Jul 3: “Not just the 17 MLAs, who joined BJP (to bring down the Congress-JDS coalition government), but anybody who accepts the party ideology and leadership can apply to join the Congress party,’’ Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee Chief D K Shivakumar said in Bengaluru on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters near his residence along with Congress Opposition leader in the Legislative Council S R Patil and former MLC Venugopal, the KPCC chief said he does not want to confine himself to the 17 MLAs but anybody can apply to join the party and the applications will be examined.

“Whoever believes in the Congress ideology and leadership can apply to join the party and the party’s committee headed by Allum Veerabhadrappa (former State Congress President) will consider the applications,’’ he said making it clear that the party will consult the respective Block Congress presidents and party workers to avoid any problems or confusion at the local level later and take a decision at the State level.

Shivakumar said, “Let those who want to join the party, first submit their applications. We will take a decision later.’’

The KPCC Chief clarified that none of the MLAs, who joined BJP and became ministers in the B S Yediyurappa-led government, have contacted him for rejoining the party.

“I am not confining myself just to the 17 MLAs, who joined BJP. Anybody can apply to join the party,’’ he said with a remark: “You (media persons) can also apply.’’

Shivakumar said backstabbing in quite common in politics and it can happen in any party, not just Congress. “We have seen several such instances in the party. Pratapgouda Patil joined the party from BJP. Leaving one party and joining another is quite common in politics,’’ he said.

The State Congress chief said he would support any decision taken by the State Government for the welfare of the people. Arrange vaccinations and give compensation to the people who suffered or lost their lives due to Covid pandemic. This is our only demand, he said assuring that Congress party would strive to protect the interests of the people.

Shivakumar said the State Government should help the poorer sections of the people, especially workers in the unorganized sectors and those who suffered due to Covid pandemic. The government should give compensation to the needy people when they are alive and help them to rebuild their lives and not after death, he said making it clear that he was not against unlock or any other decision taken by the government.

“Protecting lives and livelihood of the people is our priority and demand,’’ he declared.