Kateel in race for BJP State president's post

Mangalore, September 10: Amidst the on-going drama in Karnataka politics, the word is once again doing rounds that Mangalore MP Nalin Kumar Kateel could well be given the post of BJP State President.

With Eshwarappa slated to resign as the BJP State President, senior leaders of the party are thinking of giving the post to Mr. Kateel, who belongs to Bunt community. The Sangh Parivar has also expressed its support in this regard, it is said.

Mr. Kateel who has Sangh Parivar roots, made it big in politics by defeating Congress veteran B Janardhana Poojary in elections thereby becoming a Member of Parliament in his very first attempt.

Hailing from Paltadi village of Puttur taluk, he has been an active member of the RSS right from his childhood. He went on to become the 'Prachaarak' of the Sangh when he was 18.

He has worked as the Chief Secretray of BJP's DK unit and is also the current Vice President of the party's state unit.

Mr. Kateel has however, declined to comment on him being chosen as the next BJP State President.

Nirani is not an aspirant

However, Mr Nirani clarified that he was not an aspirant for the post. He instead supported the candidature of the former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa or Bangalore MP Ananth Kumar to the post.

“I am not an aspirant for the State BJP president's post. I will remain an ordinary worker of the party,” he said.

The State would go for elections in the next few months and senior leaders such as Ananth Kumar or Mr Yeddyurappa should be given the responsibility of heading the State unit, he said.

Sources close to Mr. Nirani said that the party high command held talks with the Industries Minister and told him to shoulder the responsibility of the State unit of the party.

A few days ago, BJP central leaders had summoned Mr. Yeddyurappa to Delhi and reportedly discussed names of Energy Minister Shobha Karandlaje, Public Works Minister C M Udasi and Mr. Nirani for the post. Sources said the party has shown its interest to go for elections, which is a few months away, under the leadership of a Lingayat leader and Mr. Nirani belongs to that community.