Political Chameleon: C.P. Yogeshwar's Sixth Party Switch

C.P. Yogeshwar, known for his ability to adapt to the shifting political landscape, has made headlines once again with his sixth party switch in a career spanning 25 years. This time, he has returned to the Congress party, marking yet another chapter in his complex political journey.

Yogeshwar’s political career has seen him move between major parties including the Congress, BJP, and Samajwadi Party. He has joined the Samajwadi Party once and switched between Congress and BJP on two occasions each. His latest move back to Congress comes at a crucial time as he prepares to contest an upcoming by-election.

Initially, Yogeshwar began his political career with the Congress, serving as a KPCC Secretary. In 1999, after being denied a ticket, he contested as an independent candidate and won, which set the stage for his entry into mainstream politics. Following this success, he officially joined Congress, securing victories in both the 2004 and 2008 elections.

The political landscape shifted in 2008 when the BJP, led by B.S. Yediyurappa, came to power. Yogeshwar made a controversial decision to resign from his Congress position during the infamous ‘Operation Kamala’ and joined the BJP. However, his fortunes took a downturn when he lost the 2009 by-election to JDS candidate M.C. Ashwath.

In 2011, he found success again under the BJP banner, winning a seat and subsequently serving as the Forest Minister in Chief Minister Sadananda Gowda’s cabinet until 2013. Yet, when denied a ticket in 2013, he made a last-minute switch to the Samajwadi Party, which ultimately proved fruitful as he won the election.

Yogeshwar’s political rollercoaster continued in 2018 when he returned to the BJP. Although he lost to JDS’s H.D. Kumaraswamy in the elections, the party appointed him as an MLC and minister, showcasing his enduring influence. He played a pivotal role in the leadership change that saw Yediyurappa replaced by Basavaraj Bommai as Chief Minister. Despite this, he did not receive another ministerial role, a decision that may have influenced his future moves.

In the 2023 elections, Yogeshwar faced Kumaraswamy again but lost while contesting on a BJP ticket. Nevertheless, he retained his position as an MLC. Following Kumaraswamy’s victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Mandya and subsequent resignation from his MLA position, Yogeshwar has now rejoined Congress, setting his sights on the upcoming by-election.

C.P. Yogeshwar’s political journey is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of party politics in India. His ability to navigate through various political environments while remaining relevant showcases a blend of adaptability and strategic foresight. As he prepares to contest the by-election under the Congress banner, many will be watching closely to see if his latest switch will yield a more stable political future.