Daijiworld Media Network - Mysuru (SP)

Mysuru, Apr 1: Former minster, Hartalu Halappa, who does not have hopes of getting BJP ticket this time from either Sorab or Sagar constituencies, has begun to knock at the doors of the Congress. Chief minister, Siddaramaiah, has expressed his readiness to speak to the high command and support Halappa's efforts to join Congress party.

When media persons questioned Siddaramaiah about Halappa's alleged interest to join Congress party, Siddaramaiah said that several BJP leaders including Halappa have been in talks with his party leaders. He said he will talk to the party high command on this issue.

The CM also remarked that Halappa has been acquitted by the court in the criminal case he was facing, and therefore he is not tainted.

Halappa, who was a minister in the Yeddyurappa-led BJP government in the state, quit the cabinet after a Kannada daily carried a report alleging sexual misconduct on his part with the wife of his financier-friend in Shivamogga. A rape case was registered, in which he was given a clean chit by the court in August 2017.

Siddaramaah also analyzed that Halappa being a leader of backward classes, his principles and policies match with those of his own party. He said that anybody who has faith in Congress principles is welcome to join his party.

Siddaramaiah is currently busy campaigning in his Chamundeshwari constituency in the city. When he reached Hootagalli here, presidentof his fans association, Deshi Gowda, offered him a garland made of huge apples weighing 750 kg. Once the process of garlanding was completed, workers of the party vied with other to grab the apples and eat them.

In the past, when Halappa was facing a case filed by his own friend, Siddaramaiah used to make special mention of this case in his address to show BJP in poor light. The warmth currently shown by him towards Halappa goes to prove that in politics there is no permanent enemy or friend.