Don’t make me minister on caste equations, Halady Srinivas Shetty tells BJP top brass
Mangaluru: Kundapur MLA Halady Srinivas Shetty on Thursday made an impassionate plea to BJP top brass that included new party chief Nalin Kumar Kateel to consider him for a minister’s post based on his contribution to party. “Kindly don’t give me a minister’s post based on caste equations or caste considerations. If you want to make me a minister, instead consider my work for the party over the years,” the MLA said.
Interacting with media on the sidelines of a felicitation function organised by DK district unit of BJP for Nalin who earlier this week assumed office as the state president in Bengaluru, the MLA said, “Consider my abilities beyond the normal caste equations. I have always strived hard to uphold social justice and the party should consider (only this facet of my public service) in deciding to make me a minister (in the BSY cabinet).”
Asserting that he was neither in favour nor supported a protest that Bunts Sangha organised in Bengaluru over his noninclusion in the BSY cabinet, Halady said, “I am a representative of (people of) all castes and religions. I have never involved myself in any caste organisations,” he said, adding at the same time he never wished or supported anyone lobbying for his cause either for a party position or for any other appointments.
Halady, a fifth term MLA, who rejoined BJP ahead of 2018 assembly polls after successfully winning as an independent in 2013 polls said, “I have worked for the party and its organisation and have ensured that the party gets the maximum votes in my constituency. Even during my term as an independent MLA, I have worked for the party’s organisation,” he said, adding he voted for the party nominee in the Rajya Sabha
Asserting that he did not shift political allegiance (as an independent MLA) despite getting offers, Halady asserted that he did not accept monetary inducements that came his way as well. “Isn’t this enough (qualification) to make me a minister,” he asked wondering if he did not have the fortune of becoming a minister. Kota Srinivas Poojary, a BJP veteran was the party’s high command’s pick from Udupi in the BSY cabinet