Former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) candidate from the Belagavi Lok Sabha segment, inaugurated a new chapter in his political journey with a housewarming ceremony held on the auspicious occasion of Ugadi on Tuesday in Belagavi. Shettar, who recently shifted from Hubballi to Belagavi following his nomination by the party high command for this electoral seat, entered a rented two-storey house in Kumaraswamy Layout, Belagavi Rural Constituency, amid fervent celebrations.
The Shettar family conducted a traditional pooja as they embarked upon their new abode, marking the beginning of a new phase in their political and personal lives. The move comes in the wake of criticism from Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, who accused Shettar of being a political opportunist seeking a fresh start in Belagavi without any substantial ties to the city. Hebbalkar had raised concerns about Shettar’s lack of a local address, questioning where constituents would be able to meet him if he were elected as their Member of Parliament (MP).
Responding to Hebbalkar’s allegations, Shettar swiftly addressed the issue by renting a house and commemorating the occasion with a housewarming ceremony, viewed as a direct response to the criticisms leveled against him. Speaking to reporters at his newly acquired residence, Shettar clarified that his decision to rent the house was not solely in reaction to Hebbalkar’s remarks but was instead a commitment he made to the people of Belagavi. Additionally, he announced plans to establish an office in the city to facilitate direct interactions with the public, emphasizing his dedication to serving the constituency effectively.
Expressing confidence in his electoral prospects, Shettar asserted that he has garnered substantial support from the public and anticipates a resounding victory in the upcoming elections. “In Belagavi, I am receiving more support than I had anticipated. The overwhelming response from the people assures me of victory. I have encountered numerous elections in my political career,” Shettar remarked confidently.
Addressing concerns about dissent within the party and calls for him to “go back,” Shettar dismissed such notions, stating that he perceives no dissent within the BJP ranks. He affirmed that all party leaders are united in their efforts and actively campaigning alongside him, reaffirming his commitment to the party’s objectives and electoral success.