Kundapur: Eyebrows raise as Shobha Karandlaje meets Halady Srinivas Shetty

Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SHS)

Udupi, Mar 15: With Lok Sabha elections approaching, political parties across the country have gone into a frenzy, chalking out strategies and leaving no stone unturned to woo the voters. Udupi-Chikmagalur constituency is no different, as was proved by the eyebrow-raising meeting between BJP candidate Shobha Karandlaje and Kundapur MLA Halady Srinivas Shetty.

Udupi-Chikmagalur candidate Shobha Karandlaje in an effort to woo the former BJP rebel Halady Srinivas Shetty met him at his residence on Saturday March 15, apparently on the directions of former chief minister Yeddyurappa to pass on a message to Halady.

Halady Srinivas Shetty who rebelled during the tenure of erstwhile CM Jagadish Shettar after he was promised and then denied the post of minister, had stepped out of the party and stood as an Independent candidate from Kundapur constituency in the last Assembly elections, winning by a handsome margin.

Credible sources within the BJP said Shobha was sent by Yeddyurappa to convince Halady to return to BJP. This effort was made to invigorate the party ahead of the general elections, particularly to make BJP PM candidate Narendra Modi victorious. Yeddyurappa's message also stated that if Halady still wants to stay away from the party, he should at least support BJP candidate Shobha Karandlaje, sources confirmed.

It is said that Shobha’s mission proved futile as Halady was adamant that he would neither join the party nor support Shobha's candidature. He said that he would continue to hold his earlier stance as far as the election is concerned. "I will not change my decision. I have been an Independent and I will continue to remain so," he asserted.

On the other hand, sources close to Congress speaking to Daijiworld said Halady in all likelihood may extend his support to J P Hegde who enjoys good support in the constituency.  Moreover, Halady would recommend his supporters to cast their votes to J P Hegde who has maintained a non-controversial image throughout his tenure as MP, sources said.

To a question, Halady said that BJP state president had not contacted him ever since he quit the party.

When journalists quizzed Shobha Karandlaje after her meet, she brushed aside speculations and said, "Such meetings to seek support of Independent MLAs are common in politics. There is nothing wrong in seeking support. He said he would not change his decision."

Earlier in the day, Shobha Karandlaje visited Anegudde Shree Vinayak Temple and performed puja.