Daijiworld Media Network - Belagavi (SP)
Belagavi, Sep 13: Former minister Shrimant Patil, who had openly said that he was offered money when he changed loyalty from the Congress to the BJP and that he had preferred to seek an important position in the government rather than cash, took a volte face when he said that money had not been offered.
Speaking to media persons at Ambadagatti village on Sunday September 12. Patil sought to control the damage his statement had caused, by claiming that he had joined the BJP without expecting anything in return. "I had sought a suitable position for me after the new government was formed. The statement earlier given by me on this issue was mistaken," he added.
He further reiterated that no money was offered to him by the BJP and that he decided to join that party, impressed by Modi's style of governance.
In the meantime, former deputy chief minister, Laxman Savadi, reacting to Patil's learlier statement that he was offered monetary lure, said he will ask Patil the identity of the persons who had offered him this money. Speaking after performing Bhoomi Puja for the Valmiki community hall on Sunday, he said he does not know under what circumstances Shrimant made the statement. He said he only saw the statement in newspapers, adding that all the ministerial aspirants cannot be pleased as the state has only a limited number of ministerial vacancies.
Jagadish Shettar said that the BJP does not have the culture of offering money for changing parties. He said he fails to understand the circumstances under which Shrimant made the statement.
Congress leader Dinesh Gundu Rao, wanted to know from the BJP the sources of funds used to disburse cash to 17 legislators who crossed over to the BJP. He recalled that Modi often claims that he does not accept bribes nor does he allow others to receive them. He questioned the BJP leaders whether they will now dismantle the government or order an investigation.