Agile Yogish, who headed BJP’s Hassan taluk (Rural) unit for the last six years, has left the party and decided to join the JD(S).

He announced his decision at a press conference in Hassan on Friday. Prajwal Revanna, JD(S) candidate for Hassan Lok Sabha seat, visited his house in Hassan on Thursday and invited him to join the JD(S). “I resigned from my post in BJP about 10 days ago. However, nobody from the party contacted me to know the reasons for my decision. Meanwhile, I have been invited by the JD(S). Soon, I will join the party along with my supporters. I am quitting the BJP because of Hassan MLA Preetham Gowda,” he said.

Agile Yogish, who has identified himself with BJP State president B.S. Yeddyurappa for past few years, wanted to contest on the BJP ticket for Hassan Assembly seat in 2018. Denied the ticket, he was disappointed. However, he stayed with the party. “I have nothing against Yeddyurappa. I was expecting that he would talk to me, but he did not. Even when his son Vijayendra visited Hassan, I was not consulted,” he said. Mr. Yogish said he would continue to fight against BJP MLA Preetham Gowda.