April 15, 2024 – In a significant political development in Karnataka, BJP MLA Arbail Shivaram Hebbar has openly criticized his party following his son Vivek Hebbar’s decision to join the Congress. This event has sparked speculation about Arbail Shivaram’s own political stance and future actions as the Lok Sabha elections approach.
Vivek Hebbar’s move to the Congress was confirmed earlier this week, leading to conjecture that Arbail Shivaram may extend his support to the Congress for the Lok Sabha elections. The MLA’s public rebuke of his party colleagues has intensified these rumors, especially with his rival Vishveshwar Hegde Kageri contesting the Lok Sabha elections.
Arbail Shivaram, who had been tight-lipped about his potential return to the Congress, responded sharply to taunts from his party members. He highlighted his role in the BJP’s rise to power in Karnataka, stating, “It is because 17 of us resigned and joined the BJP that BS Yediyurappa became chief minister for the fourth time… You could become Speaker. You too enjoyed power because of us”.
The MLA’s criticism was also directed at Basavaraj Patil Yatnal, whom he accused of causing more damage to the party with his statements over the past year than Arbail Shivaram’s own actions. The entry of Vivek Hebbar into the Congress has reportedly left the Yellapur BJP in a state of disarray, potentially leaving the party without a leader in the town.
Arbail Shivaram Hebbar’s political maneuvers are being closely watched, as any decision to join the Congress could invoke Section 10 of the Anti-Defection Act, leading to his ousting as an elected representative1. The MLA had previously joined the BJP as part of ‘Operation Lotus’ along with 16 others, which led to the collapse of the Congress-JDS government, and he served as a minister in the subsequent BJP governments.
As the political landscape in Karnataka continues to evolve, the actions and decisions of leaders like Arbail Shivaram Hebbar will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the upcoming elections.
