Bhatkal: Following the confirmed BJP and JDS alliance for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka, Inayatullah Shabandri, a prominent leader of Bhatkal and a longstanding member of the Janata Parivar for over 28 years, has tendered his resignation from the JDS.

Inayatullah Shahbandri expressed that given the alliance with BJP, continuing with JDS seemed futile. Emphasizing his community's priority over the party, he stated that he chose to resign from the JDS. Inayatullah Shahbandri mentioned that a significant number of JDS members in the district are also set to resign from the party. A JDS meeting has been scheduled in Kalburgi on October 1, and leaders from eight districts in North Karnataka, including himself, will join. He anticipated a collective farewell of secular leaders from JDS across these eight districts.

For years, there were attempts to persuade Inayatullah Shahbandri to leave JDS and join the Congress, but he remained committed to JDS and Deve Gowda. Even in the recent assembly elections, he expressed confidence in Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy, believing that a JDS-BJP alliance was improbable. However, with the subsequent announcement of the alliance between Deve Gowda, Kumaraswamy, and BJP for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, many JDS leaders, including Inayatullah Shahbandri, had no choice but to leave the party.

Notably, a video circulated on social media featuring Inayatullah Shahbandri during a meeting with Karnataka's Chief Minister, Siddramaiah. Describing the encounter in Bangalore, Inayatullah Shanbadari mentioned that Siddaramaiah, upon meeting him, inquired about his resignation from JDS. Upon confirming his imminent departure, Siddaramaiah promptly extended an invitation to join the Congress.

Additionally, Siddaramaiah expressed appreciation to Inayatullah for abstaining from contesting in the recent assembly elections. He acknowledged the collective support of Bhatkal Tanzeem and Bhatkal's Muslim community for the Congress candidate in the Bhatkal constituency.

Speaking to SahilOnline, Inayatullah Shahbandri conveyed his wish for not only himself but all the secular JDS leaders in the district to depart from the party. He emphasized his active efforts to persuade fellow secular leaders to make the same choice. Addressing inquiries about his plans post-JDS, he shared that ongoing discussions are in progress. He noted that after leaving the JDS, joining the BJP is not an option. As for where and how to move forward, a decision will be made shortly.

It's worth noting that the JDS leaders who are leaving express uncertainty regarding their status upon joining Congress. According to reports, they are in communication with Zameer Ahmed Khan, a Muslim leader and cabinet minister, discussing their forthcoming plans.

Zameer Ahmed Khan had also departed from the JDS five to six years ago and joined the Congress, where he currently holds a cabinet minister position. Siddaramaiah, who joined Congress after leaving Janata Dal 15/16 years ago, is now the Chief Minister of Karnataka.

Sources reveal that Zameer Ahmed Khan is in touch with numerous JDS leaders still within the party, confused after the JDS-BJP alliance. In this context, Deputy Chief Minister of the state, DK Shivakumar, has extended an invitation to those who left the JDS to join the Congress, stating that all JDS leaders would be welcomed.

During the inauguration of Minister Mankal Vaidya's office in Bhatkal, Inayatullah Shabandri was present and conveyed his congratulations and appreciation for Vaidya's work. It's worth noting that Mankal Vaidya and District Congress President Sai Gaonkar invited Inayatullah Shabandri to join the Congress party on this occasion. However, Inayatullah Shahbandari stated that he would announce his decision in the coming days.