Former Karnataka CM Sadananda Gowda quits politics after Lok Sabha snub by BJP

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda has quit politics after being snubbed for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, he said at a press conference in Bengaluru on Thursday.

"I am upset with BJP as the election ticket (from Bangalore North seat) has been given to someone else in my place," Gowda said.

Gowda, 71, reiterated that he was invited to join the Congress party in Karnataka, but confirmed that he would not be joining them.


"Yes, I was invited to join the Congress party, but I will not join the Congress party...Narendra Modi should become Prime Minister again," Gowda said.

Speculations were rife last week over Gowda's dissatisfaction over the BJP high command's decision to not give him a ticket. Couple of days ago he confirmed that the Congress had sent him feelers, and that he would announce his decision in due time.

Expressing his displeasure over not getting re-nomination and against some party leaders without taking any names, he said "there is nothing left to say that BJP is a party with a difference in Karnataka."

BJP shifted Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shobha Karandlaje, who is currently representing Udupi-Chikmagalur Lok Sabha segment, to contest from Bangalore North.

Gowda had earlier announced his decision to retire from electoral politics, but later backtracked saying that there is pressure on him to contest the election again.

Meanwhile, Gowda, who is a Vokkaliga, one of the dominant communities in the state, met leaders of 'Rajya Vokkaligara Sangha' on Tuesday.

(With wire inputs)