Harikrishna Bantwal too threatens to contest MLC polls as independent

Mangaluru, Dec 7: After former Udupi MP Jayaprakash Hegde and Bhujanga Shetty filed nomination papers as independent candidates for MLC polls, another senior leader of the party in Dakshina Kannada Harikrishna Bantwal has also decided to contest the poll, registering his protest against the party’s decision to issue ticket to the sitting MLC K Prathapchandra Shetty, who had initially declared that he would not contest the poll.

Mr Bantwal, 64, who is the general secretary of Dakshina Kannada District Congress Committee, said the party high command has ignored active leaders by giving ticket Mr Shetty, who according to him is not an active leader in the party.

“I have served as a sincere party worker in Congress for more than 43 years. I have never requested the party for tickets to contest for MLA or MLC seats. However, I now have decided to contest for the Legislative Council as a Congressman as the High Command has ignored several honest leaders, who have been striving to build the party,” he said.

“Though Mr Shetty had written a letter on November 1 and expressed that he will not be an aspirant for Legislative Council elections anymore. However, party leaders have given ticket to Shetty ignoring all other able leaders," said Bantwal, who is identified as a true follower of former Union minister B Janardhana Poojary.

"My mentor Janardhana Poojary asked me not to contest election without party's ticket. However, I have decided to contest not as a rebellion, but to raise party workers voice. Let High Command give tickets to leaders, who have been working honestly for the party. I will cancel my decision to contest election if the party gives ticket to able Congress leaders like Jayaprakash Hegde. Otherwise, I will contest as Congressman even if the party does not give me a ticket," said Bantwal emotionally shedding tears.

He also asserted that he will raise his voice against Yettinahole project if he was elected as an MLC. "None of the elected representatives in Dakshina Kannada district oppose the project. I will take up the issue in the Council and fight against it," he added.

Mr Bantwal, who is a leader of Billava community, said that the party should consider his candidature as backward class leaders in the district are totally ignored. He said he will file his nomination on December 9.