Hundreds of BJP workers quit to join Congress

Kundapur: Over a hundred BJP workers resigned from their primary memberships and joined Congress party, during Congress candidate Rakesh Malli and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee general secretary, G A Bava’s recent visit to Belve NS Madamakki on Sunday, March 6^th.

Apparently the BJP workers were frustrated by the functioning style of MLA, Halady Srinivas Shetty. The BJP activists who joined Congress included former president of Belve gram panchayat, B Udayakumar Poojary, president of Madamakki gram panchayat, Raju Kulal, Belve gram panchayat former member, Lolakshi Shetty and around 50 others.

Addressing media, Udayakumar Poojary accused Halady of ignoring the interests of sincere party workers and neglecting development of his constituency although he has represented it four times.

Poojary also alleged that Halady had registered false cases against honest party workers.

Problems affecting people living there like distribution of title deeds, rule 94c, proforma 50-55, disposal of applications in forest rights committee, Kasturirangan committee report etc. were ignored by Halady who hasn’t spoken about matters like this yet.

Poojary stated that under Halady’s regime the administration has become lethargic and nothing moves without paying bribe.

“Contractors supporting the MLA recently said I have been blaming the MLA because I did not get ticket for taluk panchayat election and that I am indulging in caste politics. I have been working for the party since the 90’s and if I was power hungry, I would have risen to high posts. Most of those who appreciate the MLA are contractors who have reaped benefit from him. The activists who have joined Congress now are living below poverty line. They are distressed because of failure to get facilities like title deeds for which they are genuinely eligible,” Poojary said.

“A check in the office of the tahasildar will reveal how many poor people have got title deeds on government land encroached by them during the last five years.” He said. He took the decision to join Congress at the advice of supporters.

BJP activists have joined Congress under the leadership of B Udayakumar Poojary and many more are expected to join the party in the coming days.

Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee secretary, G A Bava, Congress leaders, B Sathish Kini and Jayaram Shetty Soorgoli were present.