Karnataka BJP MLA and former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar met party chief JP Nadda in Delhi today to press for his demand to let him contest the election. Yesterday, Mr Shettar indicated he is set for a rebellion after the party asked him to make way for others and asked him not to contest.
After the meeting with Mr Nadda, the former Chief Minister said he is "hopeful" of getting a ticket, but will still fight the election even if the BJP doesn't want him - a big hint at contesting as an independent.
"I am hopeful. I have tried my best to convey and convince JP Nadda about my will to contest election. He promised he will consider it and discuss with the leadership," Mr Shettar told reporters. "I have spoken to the people of my constituency. They want me to fight the election, so I will definitely contest," said the BJP MLA from Hubballi who has won six elections.
Earlier today, former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa stepped in to defuse a potential rebellion crisis. Mr Yediyurappa, in an apparent effort to calm down his colleague, said he is very likely to get a ticket.
"99 per cent Jagadish Shettar will be given an election ticket," Mr Yediyurappa told news agency ANI today.
Mr Shettar's constituency is not mentioned in the BJP's first list of candidates for 189 seats, which was announced last night. A second will be announced soon, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said yesterday. The Karnataka assembly has 224 seats.
Mr Shettar, citing "no blot" in his political career, said he has asked the party leadership to let him contest this time also.
"I have pledged my loyalty to the BJP. Even the (party's) recent survey (on election) proved that I have an edge. But I am disappointed after getting the call from the party leadership," Mr Shettar told reporters yesterday.
An unhappy Mr Shettar could pose a problem for the BJP in Hubballi and the North Karnataka region, where he is an influential figure.
The former Chief Minister has been associated with many reforms including the Kalasa Banduri drinking water project, construction of the assembly building in Belagavi and bringing the South Western Railways headquarters to the Hubballi-Dharwad region.
He comes from the powerful Lingayat community, whose support every party seeks.
Karnataka will vote on May 10; votes will be counted three days later.
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