72 first-timers, series of resignations, BJP's struggles continue ahead of assembly polls in K'taka
Bengaluru: As the Assembly elections in Karnataka approach, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is dealing with the challenge of having 72 first-time candidates and the resignation of several senior leaders, including Jagadish Shettar, from the party. Despite this setback, the BJP has expressed confidence in its ability to field new candidates as instructed by the party high command and has maintained that the departure of senior leaders will not affect its chances in the upcoming polls.
However, Congress leader Siddaramaiah has criticized the BJP's treatment of Shettar, whom he believes has been derogated by the party. Siddaramaiah also accused the BJP of attempting to win over the Lingayat community, to which Shettar belongs, through another senior leader BS Yediyurappa.
Veteran Congressman Shamanuru Shivashankarappa and Congress legislator MB Patil have convinced Shettar to join the Congress. In response to this development, the BJP has highlighted the apolitical relationship between Shettar and Shivashankarappa, whose granddaughter is married to Shettar's son, to indicate the influence of personal relationships on political moves.
According to Arun Singh, the Karnataka In-charge of the BJP, Shettar was promised a national-level post, including membership of the Rajya Sabha, by the party high command. Despite this assurance, Shettar decided to leave the party and join the Congress. Singh suggested that voters do not appreciate individuals who work solely for their own interests.
Another prominent leader who recently quit the BJP is former Deputy Chief Minister Laxman Savadi, who joined the Congress after being denied a party ticket for the upcoming elections. These resignations and the addition of new candidates have made the political climate in Karnataka more unpredictable in the lead-up to the Assembly elections.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Mangaluru: Main accused believed Suhas Shetty posed threat to him, says Police Commissioner
Mangaluru: Mangaluru Police have arrested eight individuals in connection with the murder of rowdy-sheeter Suhas Shetty, who was killed on Thursday night in the jurisdiction of the Bajpe police station.
The arrested have been identified as Abdul Safwan, Niaz, Mohammad Muzamil, Khalandar Shafi, Ranjit, Nagaraj, Mohammad Rizwan, and Adil Mehroof.
Mangaluru Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal, addressing the media, said that ten individuals have been identified so far in the case and eight have been taken into custody. He revealed that Abdul Safwan is the main accused in the case.
According to the police, Safwan had been attacked by a gang in 2023 and feared that Suhas Shetty’s group would attempt to kill him. Believing his life to be in danger, Safwan allegedly planned the murder of Suhas Shetty.
In this context, Safwan contacted Adil Mehroof, the brother of Fazil, who was murdered in 2022. Police said that Adil agreed to help and promised a payment of Rs 5 lakh for the murder, of which Rs 3 lakh was paid in advance.
Commissioner Agrawal further stated that Niaz, another accused, involved his acquaintances Nagaraj and Ranjit in the plot. The group closely monitored Suhas Shetty’s movements before carrying out the murder on May 1, he added.
The investigation is still ongoing and further arrests are likely in the coming days, police said.
