Bengaluru: KPCC President D.K. Shivakumar asserted that anyone could file an application to join the party after accepting the principles and leadership of Congress. 

Speaking to reporters here on Saturday, Mr. Shivakumar said, including 17 MLAs who defected Congress, joined bjp subsequently, anyone can apply to the Congress to join the party, he clarified. Mr. Shivakumar hinted gharwapsi of 17 legislators who defected Congress in 2019 and joined B.S.Yediyurappa government after wining bye elections.

Shivakumar's statement on giving an open invitation to 17 MLAs has triggered debate in the party. However, he clarified that anyone could apply to the party, including those 17 MLAs, he asserted. 

If anyone has interested to join Congres by accepting our principles and leadership, they can file an application before Allam Veerabhadrappa headed the committee. He will decide whom should be taken and not to the party. He added that before inducting any leader to the party, block congress and district congress opinion will be considered.

17 MLAs have not approached the Congress of their joining to the party. I have not expressed my views keeping into consideration of only 17 MLAs; my statement is general for all who desire to join the party. Party will take a collective decision regarding the induction of any leaders to the party, he said. 

Backstabbing has become the order of the day in politics. Ayaram-gayaram is always happening in all parties. We brought Prathapgouda Patil from the Congress. Defection has become common in politics, KPCC President said.