Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur / Sullia

Kundapur / Sullia, Jul 14 : With dissidence brewing within the BJP party, the two-day old Jagadish Shettar government seems to have started its innings on a wrong note. On the one hand, Shettar is facing demands from various ministers who want only 'important' portfolios, and since he was not able to finalize the portfolios in Bangalore, Shettar is leaving for New Delhi on Saturday evening along with R Ashok, the deputy CM.

On the other hand, Halady Srinivas Shetty, who was denied ministrial berth despite confirmation from senior party members, arrived in Kundapur on Saturday morning and told the media that he has been invited by JD(S) to join. "I will decide on JD(S) invitation after consultation with my supporters soon, but I have decided not to continue with BJP."

It is learnt that he is comtemplating the possibility of contesting the next assembly election as an independent candidate. His clean image, popularity and achievements as MLA in the past three terms have proved his ability to win the election irrespective of his party.

It is also learnt that Congress too is wooing Halady, but the MLA denied any invitation from Congress.

"I do not know what for mistake I was denied the ministry... perhaps, I did not fall to the feet of Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat... may be that was my mistake," he said in an acerbic tone.

"I am not behind power or money, if at all I wanted to make money, I had a great chance when Reddy revolted against Yeddyurappa and went to resorts. I had been offered Rs 6 crore to join their group, but I did not," Halady thundered.

Angara to Resign ?

In another surprising development, senior BJP member and four-time BJP MLA from Sullia, S Angara has decided to resign from his MLA seat. "I am hurt the way my party ignored me for ministry this time too. I represent the backward caste, and the people of my constiuency expected me to be in the cabinet this time. No one from Dakshina Kannada has been given a chance. I will take final decision about resigning from my MLA seat tomorrow after consulting my constituency leaders and supporters."

Looking at the 'unhappy' faces of the twin districts of coastal Karnataka, BJP is certain to face revolt from within the party. If Angara and Halady both decide to leave BJP, then it could be a major blow to the party from the coastal belt.

'Happy for Srinivas Poojary, Denial of Ministry Not the Reason to Quit'

Aishwarya Beejadi
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur

Kundapur, Jul 14: "I never wished for a ministerial post, never indulged in caste politics and groupism. I was called for the oath-taking ceremony with a promise of a ministry, and at the last moment they rejected me. It has made me sad, I will resign, but not for this reason. It has given a blow to my self-respect and that’s the reason why I am quitting from the my post," said Halady Srinivas Shetty, adding that he would be resigning on July 16.

"I have been an MLA for the last 15 years. I have done only those works that benefit the public, and it is wrong to say that I am resigning for not being given ministry when I don't even take part in foundation stone laying or inauguration ceremonies," he said.

"State BJP president Eshwarappa has to be careful in what he says. I am not the reason for the post of two deputy CMs. Coastal people understand," he said.

On an emotional note he added, "I am badly hurt. I was called and insulted. My volunteers, well-wishers and leaders have asked me not to take back the resignation. Their decision is my decision.

"My own caste people are consoling me saying that they are with me. My parents are Bunts, so I am a bunt, I don’t have any casteist attitude and it's been so right from my student life. All the people in the society are my relatives. I am not a communal-minded person, I am democratic. But time and fate made me join BJP, and people have welcomed me. I don't go to temple, because people are my god," he said.

"Humanity is my aim. I joined BJP 17 years ago as I was impressed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s rule. I have won all the elections by wide margins. A G Kodgi and D V Sadananda Gowda had wished me to be a minister, as they wanted my leadership to improve the party. I had contacted Kalladka Prabakar Bhat as well in this regard. Yedyurappa’s son Ragavendra had requested me to come to Bangalore, through his leader Kiran Kodgi. Likewise, I reached Bangalore on Thursday at 5 am."

He further said, "All district MLAs had visited my room. While questioned, Raghupathi Bhat asked me to go when the exact and genuine report was out. Meanwhile Kota Srinivas Poojary who was with me was called to the Raj Bhavan. Leaders in my support asked Poojary not to take the oath, but I stopped them and urged Poojary to do as he thought fit. It is Poojary’s duty to accpet his post. He is not responsible for my insult. I never wished to go in a red light car, or to have a gunman and security even if I became a minister."

"I will never indulge in caste politics. All are one. My caste is related only to my house and family, not to public. I apologize for the disturbances caused due to the protest by my supporters," he humbly added.

"Poojary is a good friend of mine and I am very happy for him. We have good understanding between us," he said..

His fans were gathered in large numbers while he went back to his house in Halady. The people consoled him saying that it was an insult not only to Halady but to the whole of Kundapur. They pledged their full support to the disgruntled leader.