Kundapur: Former MLA Halady Srinivas Shetty decides to contest alone

By Snehalatha, Udupi
Bellevision Media Network

Kundapur, 23 Mar 2013: Halady Srinivas Shetty, who had cemented BJP’s position in this constituency by working hard, becoming popular, and winning successive elections from here, and recently resigned from his post and primary membership of the party for being neglicted during the cabinet formation by chief minister Jagadish Shettar, has decided to contest in the coming assembly election as an independent candidate.

 

Reliable sources said that Shetty, who was frustrated at the way he was handled by the party leaders, is confident of winning the seat.

 

Halady’s supporters said that the former MLA made the above announcement, when a group of his supporters met him on Thursday March 21, and sought details of his future plans. Many believe that Shetty, on account of his charisma and accessibility, has a huge fan following in the region, and hence has the capacity to rock the BJP boat, which was sailing smoothly since long.

 

Halady who was let down after being promised a ministerial berth resigned as member of legislative assembly and then from the BJP. After that he did not reveal his support to any party until the urban local body elections were over and now he has decided to contest independently, confirmed sources.

 
A number of Shetty’s supporters continue to be in BJP. As many as 7 supporters of Halady have won in the municipal election under BJP who have assured full support to him. When he was advised to seek outside support of BJP for his candidature, Shetty said he does not want to have any ties with the party. “You are free to support the person of your choice. I am not pressurizing you people to lend support to me. I am confident that the voters of the constituency will ensure my victory,” he reportedly told them.

 

Other that BJP party members, there is a indication that even members from JD(S) and other party might support Srinivas Shetty.

 

From Kundapur, in Congress party, the name of Malyadi Shivaram Shettar is among the probable candidates for the assembly election while from BJP, the race is between Mani Gopal and B Kishore.