By Sandhya Ravishankar
In an unexpected emotional attack, former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa took on rebels Jagdish Shettar and Lakshman Savadi who have shifted to the Congress after being denied tickets by the BJP.
At a press conference in the party office, Yediyurappa lambasted Lakshman Savadi, an MLC and former Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka in Yediyurappa’s cabinet.
“Union Ministers Shri Pralhad Joshi and Shri Dharmendra Pradhan visited Jagdish Shettar’s residence and assured him of a Rajya Sabha seat and a ministerial berth. Despite this, he is now joining hands with the Congress, and the people of the state will not forgive him for betraying the BJP,” said Yediyurappa.
“BJP is making way for new blood and freshness in politics, and in this regard, this decision has been commonly applied to all communities. We, being senior leaders in the party, should welcome newness. The party has given everything to Shettar, and he must be grateful for that,” he added.
Launching an attack on Lakshman Savadi who has even got a ticket from the Congress for the Athani seat, Yediyurappa did not mince his words.
“We brought Laxman Savadi into the party, made him an MLA, the cooperatives minister, made him an MLC after he lost his seat, made him a deputy CM of the state and gave him assurance of a ministry after the elections as well. Despite this he betrayed the party,” said an angry Yediyurappa.
The senior leader also gave a four-day deadline for the rebels to change their stance and return to the party fold. If they did not, he would personally ensure their defeat, he warned.
“I will myself go to both Athani and Hubballi Dharwad Assembly and explain to voters the injustice done by these two leaders to the BJP. Shettar is joining the same Congress which he opposed ideologically throughout his political career. This is ‘Vishwasa Droha’. If he changes his stance in 4 days, we will give the requisite respect. If not, I will personally defeat them,” warned Yediyurappa.
What is the impact of these rebel candidates moving to the Congress fold? Watch the video below to understand.