Somashekar’s pictures on Congress hoardings in Mysuru ahead of aide’s induction

MYSURU: Ahead of former minister S T Somashekar’s aide H V Rajeev joining the Congress on Wednesday, the former’s pictures appeared on Congress advertisements and hoardings erected in the city, giving rise to speculation whether he is actively allying with the ruling party.

Rajeev was close to Somashekar when the latter was Mysuru district in-charge minister. Ahead of his joining the Congress on Wednesday along with his supporters, a large number of hoardings have been put up at the Bhootale Maidan in Vidyaranyapura with pictures of Somashekar alongside Congress leaders.

Rajeev, who had been with the BJP for long and a supporter of B S Yediyurappa, told Public TV, “Siddaramaiah, who is from my home district, has become the CM for the second time. I was impressed by the welfare schemes which have benefited over one crore people in the state. Therefore, I am joining the Congress to strengthen the CM’s hands and develop the party at the grassloots level”.

H V Rajeev inspected the venue where the induction ceremony is to be held on Wednesday.

Regarding Somashekar’s pictures on cutouts and newspaper advertisements, Rajeev said, “I was close to him. He was previously with Congress and party workers have enthusiastically put up his pictures. I hope he will also return to the Congress soon, but it is left to him”.

Somashekar has been openly dropping broad hints at returning to the Congress. Just a few days ago, he, along with Shivaram Hebbar, travelled together and met Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar at his Sadashivanagar residence. Somashekar, who represents Yeshwantpur, had also cross-voted during the recent Council election.

However, the BJP has so far maintained a studied silence over Somashekar’s overtures towards the Congress.