Daijiworld Media Network – Hubballi (EP)

Hubballi, April 26: “BJP gave tickets to those who came the other day including a few criminals. But nobody spoke to me when I did not get the ticket. Nobody spoke to me with respect. Therefore I came out from the BJP,” said Hubballi-Dharwad Central Congress candidate Jagadish Shettar.

He was speaking in a news conference at Hubballi on Wednesday, April 26.

“After I rebelled they promised me a major position at the Centre and make me a Rajya Sabha member. But those who speak about principles gave tickets due to fear of CD to those who got a stay in the court with 80 cases against a person,” he lambasted.

“I am not the only leader who deserted the party. Many others have deserted it. But only I am being targeted. I will consider the expletives as blessings,” he said.

“Amith Shah has given the responsibility of defeating Jagadish Shettar to Prahlad Joshi. I will not go to Rajya Sabha but will remain attached to the principles of the Congress party. Those who want to attack me should come directly to me. Why do you bring Yediyurappa in between?  I have not betrayed BJP,” he said.

“Leaders going to other parties are natural. But it is being portrayed as a big crime in my case. What was my fault? Was asking a ticket to contest was a fault?” he asked.