Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Mar 9: Since the last couple of days, reports about fresh fissures having developed between Swabhimani Vedike, a splinter group of the BJP and the BJP, are emerging. The Swabhimani Vedike, formed under the leadership of Urimajal Ram Bhat after the BJP refused to allot ticket for one-time MLA Shakuntala Shetty from Puttur constituency during the last assembly election, was able to reduce the margin of the BJP win remarkably. It had fielded Shakuntala Shetty from Puttur and although lost, had the satisfaction of making inroads into the BJP vote bank.

In the recent past, concerted efforts had been made to bring back the splinter group to the mainstream, in view of the Loksabha election. A formula had been hammered out under which, Ram Bhat agreed to merge Swabhimani Vedike with the BJP, subject to certain conditions. Under this, reportedly the BJP had agreed to provide important posts to Shakuntala Shetty and some other Swabhimani Vedike leaders, in exchange for its unequivocal support for the party candidate.

Reportedly, the Vedike is peeved at the fact that the BJP has not yet given the posts to its cadres as promised earlier. The BJP has taken the stand that positions will be given after the election. In the meanwhile, the Rashtreeya Swayamsevak Sangh activists are said to be angry, as they feel, D V Sadanand Gowda was shunted out of the local Loksabha constituency at the behest of the Vedike.

If at all the Swabhimani Vedike decides to part ways again and field a candidate of its own, the JD (S) is likely to support its candidature. When contacted, JD (S) state general secretary Mohammed Kunhi categorically said that no such political possibilities can be ruled out. As the JD (S) had supported the candidature of Shakutnala Shetty from Puttur last year, it might toe the same line this year too, he clarified.

Even though the JD (S) has set aside both Mangalore and Udupi Loksabha constituencies for the CPI (M) which is a third front constituent, it is reportedly reluctant to field its candidates from these two constituencies. At the same time, other Vedike leaders have chosen to hold their cards close their chests. The issue as to whether the Vedike will decide to battle it out with its parent party and give the BJP a harrowing experience will be clear in about week's time.