Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)
Mangalore, Mar 16: BJP state president D V Sadanand Gowda, who considers Urimajal Rama Bhat as his political Guru for initiating him into active politics and guiding him in his early years, has said that Bhat would be suspended if he enters the fray against the BJP in the Lok Sabha election. Gowda added that Bhat had not been subjected to the disciplinary action of the party when he worked against the party in the last assembly election, in view of his seniority and service rendered to the party in the past.
Speaking to reporters here on Sunday March 15, Sadanand Gowda clarified that all avenues for dialogues with Swabhimani Vedike stand shut and that the BJP will keep equi-distance from the Congress, JD(S) and the Vedike alike.
"Ram Bhat wanted me, when I was working as an advocate in Sullia, to contest from Puttur after he suffered reverses in the assembly election in the year 1985. Although I never spoke lightly of Bhat either personally or as a legislator, MP and state president of the BJP, Bhat has been criticizing me repeatedly. Because of some wrong influence and guided by misplaced priorities, Bhat has been blaming the Sangh Parivar in which he grew up. Ram Bhat, who taught us that an organization is always bigger than an individual, is now behaving in a way that is diametrically opposite to this principle," Gowda opined.
Sadanand Gowda sought to allay doubts about the potential of the BJP candidate from Mangalore Lok Sabha constituency by saying that the party will surely win this seat, irrespective of whom the opposite parties field. "The BJP will work unitedly in the state. The issue of MP Yetnal is a closed chapter," he explained.
Cashew Development Corporation chairman K R Lakshman Gowda, Forest Development Corporation chairman S N Manmatha, Nalini Lokappa Gowda and CAMPCO director Sanjeev Matandoor were present at the press conference.
At the same time, Ram Bhat has reiterated that he will fight as a candidate of Swabhimani Vedike from Mangalore and will not withdraw from the race irrespective of the support he might draw or opposition he might face on his proposed step. "I am fighting against injustice and autocratic behaviour. I have fought from Jan Sangh even when there was no one to support me. I will not be bogged down by insults and ridicules I might face," he added.
In the meantime, Basana Gouda Yetnal, ex-mp who has revolted against the party leadership after having been kept out of reckoning while allotting Lok Sabha seat, will be arriving here on Monday March 16 to hold talks with Swabhimani Vedike leadership, sources said.