Sharada Chandrashekhar, a former General Secretary of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) and the past chairperson of the Channapatna Development Authority, has left Congress and joined the Janata Dal (Secular) [JD(S)]. Her decision to switch parties comes with strong criticism of the Congress leadership, particularly under the influence of key figures like KPCC President and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
Sharada, who has been a long-time Congress member, voiced her frustration over the party’s treatment of dedicated workers, alleging that the leadership only values those who have political alignments and connections, rather than hard work and dedication.
In a statement, Sharada expressed deep dissatisfaction with the Congress party’s internal dynamics, claiming that despite years of service to the party, her contributions went largely unrecognized. “I spent years working as both a KPCC and AICC member, and contributed millions of rupees from my own savings to further the Congress cause, but was never given a position of respect or recognition,” she said. “The party elevates those who align with the likes of D.K. Shivakumar but ignores loyal workers who have given their all.”
Sharada’s grievances were not limited to the party’s internal politics; she also took issue with the Congress’s candidate for the Channapatna constituency, C.P. Yogeshwar. Sharada, who had worked closely with Yogeshwar in the past, expressed her disappointment over his frequent party-hopping, accusing him of prioritizing his personal ambitions over the people he claimed to represent. “Yogeshwar has been jumping from one party to another for his personal gain,” Sharada said. “He deceives the public with promises of changing parties for development, but in reality, he only focuses on his own growth. I supported him when he moved to BJP, and now I see the same opportunism in Congress.”
Sharada’s decision to leave Congress was catalyzed by her perceived lack of recognition in the party despite her long tenure. The culmination of her years of service and dedication to the party, only to face neglect, pushed her to make the bold move to JD(S). She described her shift as a necessary step to align herself with a party that she believes values hard work and offers a more supportive environment for workers.
“It is a hard decision, but it is one I had to make. JD(S) offers a platform where dedicated workers are respected, and I have the freedom to work for the people without the political interference that stifles progress in Congress,” Sharada stated after joining the JD(S).
Since joining JD(S), Sharada has been actively campaigning for the party, particularly for Nikhil Kumaraswamy, the JD(S) candidate for the upcoming elections. She was seen door-to-door in Bevoor village, urging the public to support Nikhil and JD(S) in the upcoming election, highlighting her commitment to the party’s cause.
Sharada’s move to JD(S) represents a growing trend of Congress veterans switching allegiances, especially in the context of party infighting and dissatisfaction with the leadership. Her departure marks yet another chapter in the ongoing political realignment in Karnataka, as JD(S) continues to attract seasoned political figures from other parties.
Sharada Chandrashekhar’s journey in politics has spanned several decades, and her switch to JD(S) has added fuel to the fire of political speculation in Karnataka. Having served as an AICC member, KPCC state secretary, and the head of the Channapatna Development Authority, Sharada has built a reputation as a prominent leader in the region. Her decision to join JD(S) is seen as a significant blow to the Congress, particularly in the Channapatna and Ramanagara regions, where her influence had been substantial.