Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (MS)

Kundapur, Nov 11: "In order to join any political party, an independent legislator has to wait for six months after the elections are over. Otherwise, his candidature becomes null and void. Once these technical issues are resolved, I will join BJP," said Halady Srinivas Shetty, MLA of Kundapur constituency.

Addressing a press meet here on Saturday November 11, he said, "I am joining BJP as per the opinion of my supporters. This does not mean that I am a ticket aspirant. I will be obedient to the decision of the party and work like a disciplined party worker. Though I got elected as an independent candidate, I have worked for BJP in the recently held elections for zilla panchayat, taluk panchayat, Legislative Assembly and the Rajya Sabha. I have never asked for any post earlier also. However, I was offered the position of minister and later denied, which insulted me. On the advice of my well wishers I resigned. Even though I was pressurized not to resign, my decision was firm.

"There is no setback in the development of my constituency even though I got elected as an independent candidate. Bridge between Kodi and Anagalli is constructed. Fishing jetty is built at Kodi, Kodikanyana and Hangarakatte. Public works department has released a grant of Rs 160 crore. Mini vidhana Soudha is in operation. 18 crores have been sanctioned to the constituency under 'natural calamity relief'. Fundamental infrastructure is provided for all first-grade colleges. I have raised the issue of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) and Kasturirangan report and had an elaborate discussion in the assembly. Have repeatedly requested the authorities not to trouble the public."

When the legislator was questioned on his photo on the 'Parivartana Yatra' banner of BJP, he replied, "I have been invited for the yatra. I had requested them not to put my photo, However, my well-wishers have done this. I will go to the yatra conference as a general spectator and will not sit on the dais.

"Meaningless news is being circulated in social media. I have nothing to say to people who have the habit of writing anything when they see an empty wall. There should be some foundation of truth to news. People should not be made to guess. It has been 23 years since I have spoken to Pratapchandra Shetty. I have a good opinion of him. I do not engage in group politics. I do not know anything about this and do not want to comment on the subject also. I have not asked ticket with BJP for the next election. Even if the party does not give a ticket, I will work for the candidate of party's choice," he added.