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Tension Mounts as BJP Weighs Options for Key Lok Sabha Contest in Haveri
Bengaluru : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is facing a crucial decision regarding its candidate for the Haveri Lok Sabha constituency, with former Chief Ministers Jagdish Shettar and Basavaraja Bommai emerging as potential contenders.
The announcement of Anandaswamy Gaddadevaramath, a member of the Veerashaiva Lingayat community, as the Congress candidate for the constituency has prompted a reevaluation within the BJP ranks. Consequently, there is speculation that the BJP may opt to field a Lingayat candidate instead of Kantesh, son of former Deputy Chief Minister KS Eshwarappa from the Kuruba community.
Jagdish Shettar, who recently rejoined the BJP after leaving the Congress, expressed his desire to contest from the Dharwad Lok Sabha constituency currently represented by Union Minister Prahlad Joshi. However, in an effort to maintain harmony within the party, BJP leaders advised Shettar to consider Belgaum instead. While initially considering Belagavi, Shettar later reconsidered, leading to the decision to exclude him from the constituency.
Meanwhile, BJP leaders have also suggested nominating Basavaraja Bommai for the Haveri constituency, despite Bommai's purported lack of enthusiasm for a Lok Sabha bid. However, following the announcement of the Congress candidate, party leaders have urged Bommai to reconsider his stance.
As Jagdish Shettar withdrew his interest in the Belagavi constituency, former Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa, instrumental in Shettar's return to the BJP, proposed Shettar as the candidate for Haveri.
With conflicting proposals from local party elders and Yeddyurappa, the final decision rests with the BJP Central Election Committee meeting scheduled for Monday in Delhi. In addition to Shettar and Bommai, there is anticipation regarding the possibility of introducing a new face into the fray.