Bengaluru: Even though JD (S) leaders are claiming that they will become kingmakers in the 2023 State Assembly election, defections continue to affect the party.
According to the sources, the latest addition to the list of defectors may be Pandavapura MLA, Former Minister C. S. Puttaraju, a Vokkaliga strongman from Mandya District.
“He met Former CM Siddaramaiah at his residence on Thursday January 27. They held one to one talk for over one hour,” said sources in Congress.
Puttaraju’s entry is likely to help the Congress to consolidate party position in the entire old Mysuru region as he has influence in three Districts i.e. Mandya, Mysuru, and Ramanagara.
“If he quits JD (S), it will be the end of the party in the old Mysuru region,” observed a JD (S) leader.