BC Patil Hints at Rebellion if Denied BJP Ticket for Haveri-Gadag Seat

Haveri: Former Karnataka minister BC Patil, a strong contender for the BJP ticket in the Haveri-Gadag Lok Sabha seat, has indicated he might rebel if the party overlooks him.

Patil, who lost the recent assembly elections, told reporters that he has made sacrifices to help the BJP form government in the state and deserves another chance.

“I asked the party for a ticket. I am confident they will give it to me,” he said firmly. “Being silent doesn’t mean weakness. The party should give the ticket to me.”

While Patil denied actively lobbying for the ticket or meeting party leaders in Delhi, he did acknowledge meeting former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa and state BJP president BY Vijayendra.

When pressed about his plans if denied the ticket, Patil remained ambiguous, saying, “Just wait. I will take the opinion of my supporters.”

Patil’s comments suggest a potential challenge to the BJP’s leadership if his ticket aspirations are not met. The Congress party has announced ticket to Anandswamy Gaddadevarmath to this constituency.

Speculations are rife that former CMs Basavaraj Bommai and Jagadish Shettar may be fielded from this constituency, as the BJP’s second CEC meeting schedule to convene in a day or two, second list of candidates may be announced by Monday or Tuesday, said party sources.