In a tactical move, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the second-in-command of the BJP, met with Jagdish Shettar on Thursday morning. Shah, with determination, advised Shettar, saying, “Don’t lose heart over the Haveri and Dharwad-Hubli constituencies; consider contesting from Belgaum. The BJP will ensure your victory.”
Nonetheless, Shettar, aware of the difficulties presented in Belgaum, replied to Shah, “Allow me some time to consider this proposal.” Nevertheless, with Shah’s unwavering instruction, Shettar faces a dilemma.
The reentry of ex-Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar into the BJP has significantly impacted the Belgaum Lok Sabha contest, placing the Angadi family in a pivotal position. Should Shettar fail to secure the ticket, his daughter-in-law Shraddha, the daughter of current MP Smt. Mangala Angadi, is also eager to contest.
Shettar’s political journey has been marked by various twists and turns, notably his departure from the BJP to join the Congress after being denied a ticket in the previous assembly elections. Following his defeat in the Hubli Dharwad constituency, he assumed a role in the Legislative Council. With the impending Lok Sabha elections, Shettar’s allegiance shifted back to the BJP, resulting in tensions with other contenders for the ticket. Upon his return to the BJP, he sought nominations for either the Dharwad or Haveri constituencies. However, with candidates announced for both, Shettar finds himself overlooked, leading to disappointment.
With the unveiling of the initial list comprising 20 candidates, the BJP has suggested that Shettar might be under consideration for the Belgaum constituency in the upcoming phases of candidate selection.
