Shankar Patil Munenakoppa Puts an End to Speculation, Confirms Continued Association with BJP

Hubballi: Putting an end to speculation about his next political move, former minister Shankar Patil Munenakoppa stated that he would continue with the BJP and not join the Congress, as had been speculated in political circles.

Speaking to reporters here on Monday, Munenakoppa said that he had always opposed the Congress and engaged in politics against the Congress party. Therefore, there is no chance of him joining the grand old party; the rumors suggesting that he met with Congress leaders and was attempting to join were untrue.

He asserted that he would remain with the BJP and work towards further strengthening the party, with the intention of supporting Narendra Modi for a third consecutive term as the Prime Minister.

Expressing his happiness at his political mentor, former CM Jagadish Shettar, rejoining the BJP, Munenakoppa acknowledged that while there were some differences within the party, they would be sorted out. The party is gearing up for the Lok Sabha elections, aiming to secure the maximum number of seats to ensure Modi’s return as the Prime Minister.

In response to a question, Munenakoppa clarified that he was not considering contesting the Lok Sabha elections and had no aspirations to do so. Regarding Jagadish Shettar’s candidacy for one of the Lok Sabha seats in North Karnataka, Munenakoppa stated that the party would decide, but assured that suitable posts and positions had been promised to Shettar.

The significance of his political mentor joining the BJP increased when BY Vijayendra assumed the position of Chief of the State BJP. Party leaders and workers pressured Shettar to rejoin, highlighting that the departure of senior leaders like Jagadish Shettar in the previous Assembly elections proved costly. The senior party leaders acknowledged that mistake, Munenakoppa added.

He also gave a clarification for remaining political life since after his poll debacle in the assembly election, Munenakoppa said he was away from the active politics and public life due to some political reasons.