Daijiworld Media Network - Belagavi (SP)

Belagavi, Sep 30: Former minister and BJP MLA Umesh Katti, who is reportedly unhappy over making his rival Laxaman Savadi, the deputy chief minister, in spite of losing the election last time from Athani constituency, created a controversy by saying on Sunday that the disqualified legislators would be on their own in the bypoll and that the BJP does not have anything to do with them.

In a sharp retort to this comment, Laxman Savadi said that election tickets are neither issued by Katti or himself. He reminded Katti that the party high command decides the candidates.

Umesh Katti (left) and Laxaman Savadi

Ballari bifurcation

The issue of bifurcating Ballari by creating Vijayanagara district as proposed by chief minister, B S Yediyurappa, has given rise to ruckus in the district. Harapanahalli MLA G Karunakara Reddy, has opposed the move. Siddaramaiah has termed it as a wrong decision. A committee formed for the purpose of opposing the proposal has called for Ballari bandh on October 3.

Sensing that the issue is becoming controversial, speaking at Davanagere, chief minister Yediyurappa, said that he had proposed to separate Vijayanara district as it is generally felt that smaller districts are easier to handle. He however added that a final decision would be taken after holding discussions with all the MLAs from Ballari district.