BJP functionary says he will fight elections as an Independent against Jagadish Shettar

Belagavi BJP nominee faces rebellion as district unit VP announces independent candidacy against him.

As the dust settles on discontent among some local leaders against his candidature, BJP nominee from Belagavi Jagadish Shettar seems to be facing open rebellion from unexpected quarters.

BJP district unit vice-president Mahantesh Vakkund has announced that he will fight the Lok Sabha elections as an independent to uphold the self-esteem of the ordinary workers from the district. He will remain in the BJP but will file nomination papers as an Independent candidate.

He told reporters in Belagavi that he has great respect and admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and wanted him to be the Prime Minister for the third time. “I want Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of India, but we do not want Jagadish Shettar to be MP from Belagavi,” he said.

If he fights the polls, Mr. Vakkund will be the second prominent Panchamasali Lingayat leader in the fray, apart from Congress candidate Mrinal Hebbalkar. Mr. Shettar is a Banajiga Lingayat.

“If Mr. Shettar fights the polls from here, he will lose. The BJP’s dream of 400 seats will not be realised. But if I fight the polls, it could be 399 plus one,” he said.

“Belagavi deserves a leader who truly understands the needs, aspirations and challenges of its people. We cannot afford to have imported leaders coming in from other areas with little knowledge of our unique requirements. We should not continue to let external influences dictate our decisions. We run the risk of losing our identity. Belagavi needs a leader who will prioritize its interests above all else. Some other local leaders could have been nominated,” he said.

“I have called a meeting of like-minded party workers and supporters in Belagavi on Sunday to take a decision on this,” he added.