‘BSY tried to scuttle my chances’

Sep 10, 2012 |

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Shivashankarappa

* What inspired you to get into Veerashaiva Mahasabha politics?
Several of my colleagues in the Congress pressurized me and I agreed.

* Was there no opposition from former chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa?
He tried to scuttle my prospects till the end. Mr Yeddyurappa wanted housing minister, V. Somanna to become the president. When he realised his plan would not succeed, he made the BJP government supersede the Mahasabha and appoint an administrator. Challenging this, former president, Bheemanna Khandre approached the court which ordered that the election should be held. Yeddyurappa even approached Khandre with an offer than he could be made president but Khandre refused. Now, BJP leader, N. Thippanna has become state president of the Mahasabha and I the All India president. The administrator will give a report to the court on the elections and then, we will get the reins of power.

* You have become Mahasabha chief at a time when the state is gearing up for assembly elections. Will it help you politically?
I think so. I think I can connect with people from the community.

* You have been trying to become KPCC president. Will this post help you lobby better?
I think it will give more weight to my candidature. In Delhi, our central leaders may not know the importance of this body. Our party leaders here will have to inform the top brass about the importance of this body and the power vested in the Mahasabha president.

* What is your agenda as president of the Mahasabha?
There are several groups in the community which has seen a lot of infighting. My priority is to bring them together. I want to reach out to Lingayat families who are poor. We have to come out with schemes to help these people.

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