BJP tried to retain Shettar but to no avail: Bommai

Mangaluru: Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has expressed regret over the resignation of former Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Jagadish Shettar.

Speaking to reporters in Hubballi on Sunday, Bommai said that Shettar has been a senior and important leader of the region and that his resignation had pained and disturbed him.

The BJP had made several attempts to retain Shettar, including offering him a big post and a ticket for a candidate suggested by him, but to no avail. The CM stated that former CM BS Yediyurappa remains their role model, having tendered his resignation even while in the chief minister's post.

Bommai went on to say that the party had taken several decisions on several occasions and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was trying to bring changes in politics.

He also mentioned that BJP national president J.P. Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah had spoken to Shettar. The latter was promised a big post. However, despite talks held on Saturday between the party leadership and Shettar, where it was suggested that a ticket would be given to anybody suggested by him, Shettar did not agree, Bommai said.

“BJP is trying to take every community along with it. The development of Kittur Karnataka and Kalyana Karnataka was possible only by the BJP. Under the leadership of Yediyurappa, the frontline leadership is ready, and the second-line leadership comprising leaders like C C Patil, Murgesh Nirani, Shashikala Jolle and V Somanna is fully prepared. BJP has given the maximum number of ministerships to the lingayat community,” he said.

He highlighted that the BJP has given the maximum number of ministerships to the Lingayat community.

Not fielding Shettar was the decision of the high command, as the time had come to bring changes and give opportunities to the next generation.

Although Shettar's resignation from the party may have some effect, Bommai assured that the BJP would conduct a damage control exercise to minimize the impact.