Shettar joined the Indian National Congress thereafter, in the presence of INC leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Siddaramaiah, and assured that he would be contesting the elections in Hubli-Dharwad Central from the Congress Party.
Shettar later affiliated with the Indian National Congress, in the company of prominent INC figures Mallikarjun Kharge and Siddaramaiah, and vowed to participate in the elections in Hubli-Dharwad Central as a Congress candidate.