Hubballi: Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai revealed that Home Minister Amit Shah had personally contacted former chief minister Jagadish Shettar and offered him a better position and post in an effort to persuade him to reconsider his decision to quit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Shettar was denied a party ticket to contest from the Hubballi Central constituency, which prompted him to announce his resignation from the BJP and his MLA post. Bommai expressed disappointment over Shettar’s decision, stating that it was not the right move and had hurt them a lot. He mentioned that the party had agreed to give the ticket to the person to whom he (Shettar) recommends, but he did not accept it.
Speaking to reporters after his meeting with Karnataka state election-in-charge Dharmendra Pradhan and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Sunday. He also cited the examples of former chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa and minister K.S. Eshwarappa, who had retired from electoral politics after quitting their posts, as models for others to follow.
Bommai also acknowledged the growing strength of Lingayat leaders within the BJP in Karnataka, mentioning ministers CC Patil, Basangouda Patil Yatnal, and Shashikala Jolle as prominent Lingayat leaders who were gaining prominence in the party. He further emphasized that the party was moving forward under the leadership of Yediyurappa, who is considered a towering figure among the Lingayat community.
The offer made by Amit Shah to Shettar, and his subsequent refusal, has generated speculation and interest within political circles in Karnataka. Shettar is expected to announce his future course of action later in the day.
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