Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Jul 19: Responding on the matter of cabinet extension in the state, MLA Raghupati Bhat said, “I am not aspiring for a ministerial berth in the present term. Expansion of cabinet is left to the chief minister and high command. The legislative meeting is an excellent forum for us to expresses our opinions. I wish MLAs Sunil Kumar and Halady Srinivas Shetty get ministerial positions.

“I know my limits. Eighteen hours are not enough for me to work as an MLA. If an MLA becomes minister, he or she loses popularity in their own constituency. I know that it will not be given to me at this stage also. Halady Srinivas Shetty is a senior politician. If he is given the position, I will be happy. Sunil Kumar also has leadership qualities. The party high command will decide,” he said.

Reacting to the viral audio of BJP state president and MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, Bhat said, “Nalin has clarified that the audio does not belong to him. Let it be known after the investigation. No friction in the party will be created because of this issue. Both Jagadish Shettar and Eshwarappa are senior leaders of the party. As their names have come, it proves that the audio is fake. Both are doing good work. I also urge to call a legislative party meeting in order to develop the image of party and state.”