Mangaluru : Kavita Sanil, the erstwhile Mayor representing the Congress, made headlines by crossing over to the BJP. Ms. Sanil, who held the mayoral position from March 2017 to March 2018, brought her extensive political experience to the BJP fold on Saturday, April 20.

Prior to her switch, Ms. Sanil had served as a two-time Congress councillor within the Mangaluru City Corporation council. During her tenure, she chaired pivotal committees, including those overseeing Public Health, Education, Social Justice, as well as Town Planning and Improvement.

Her formal induction into the BJP occurred amidst a gathering in Bantwal, where the State president of the BJP, B.Y. Vijayendra, presided. Welcoming her into the party ranks, Vijayendra symbolically offered her the party flag.

Reflecting on her decision, Ms. Sanil revealed that she sought guidance from senior Congress figure B. Janardhana Poojary, whom she reveres as her political mentor. She recounted Poojary’s advice, stating he encouraged her to join the BJP if it aligned with her aspirations.

Expressing admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance, Ms. Sanil highlighted her dissatisfaction with the handling of recent incidents by the State’s leadership, including the unfortunate murder of a college student in Hubballi. She lamented the perceived lack of seriousness displayed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister G. Parameshwara regarding the spate of violent incidents plaguing the region in recent months.