DK Shivakumar hints at BJP, JD(S) leaders joining Congress

Shivakumar made the remarks in Bengaluru while welcoming former BJP MLA N. L. Narendra Babu and his supporters into the Congress. Narendra Babu, who had spent nearly a decade with the BJP, recently resigned from the party and returned to the Congress.

“Several leaders are in touch with me and our party leadership. We will accommodate them and work together,” Shivakumar said, indicating that the Congress was open to leaders who accepted its ideology and leadership.

He said district-level ministers and party office-bearers had been asked to identify political leaders interested in joining the Congress. Shivakumar also suggested that the possible influx could include leaders with a presence in national politics, although he did not disclose their identities.

Narendra Babu's return comes amid continuing political realignments in Karnataka ahead of the next electoral battles. He had earlier alleged that BJP workers and leaders who had worked for the organisation were not receiving adequate recognition.

Shivakumar also stepped up his attack on Union Minister and JD(S) leader H. D. Kumaraswamy, alleging that Kumaraswamy was attempting to weaken Karnataka BJP president B. Y. Vijayendra and Opposition Leader R. Ashoka to strengthen his own position ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.

The Chief Minister claimed Kumaraswamy's repeated warnings of political “chaos” were part of this strategy.

The latest statements indicate that the Congress is seeking to capitalise on differences within the BJP and JD(S), while positioning itself as an alternative for leaders looking to switch political camps. However, Shivakumar's claims regarding future defections remain political assertions, and no additional names were officially announced.