Karwar: "If the party grants Lok Sabha tickets to disloyal leaders, I will stand in opposition," declared veteran Congress leader and Haliyal MLA R V Deshpande. 

He clarified that the party has not yet finalized its candidate for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, and top leaders will deliberate before making a decision. Emphasizing the importance of ideological alignment, Deshpande affirmed that the party would not endorse individuals who do not share the party's core beliefs. Nevertheless, he added that if an unsuitable candidate is chosen by the party, he would voice his opposition on an appropriate platform.

Responding to speculation regarding Yellapur BJP MLA Shivram Hebbar potentially rejoining the Congress and securing a candidature, Deshpande made his stance clear. He asserted that newcomers to the party should understand and embrace the party's principles and philosophies. While he welcomed committed leaders into the party, he expressed reservations about integrating disloyal leaders into its ranks.