In a strategic move, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP’s No. 2 leader, called upon Jagdish Shettar on Thursday morning. With a resolute tone, Shah addressed Shettar, stating, “Don’t lose heart over the Haveri and Dharwad-Hubli constituencies; consider contesting from Belagavi. The BJP will ensure your victory.”
However, Shettar, cognizant of the challenges posed in Belagavi, responded to Shah, “Give me some time to ponder over this decision.” Yet, with Shah’s firm directive, Shettar finds himself in a predicament.
The return of former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar to the BJP had thrown the Belagavi Lok Sabha race wide open, with the Angadi family poised to play a decisive role. With Shettar’s daughter-in-law Shraddha, daughter of sitting MP Smt. Mangala Angadi is also keen if Shettar doesn’t get the ticket.
Shettar’s political journey has seen twists and turns, notably his departure from BJP to join the Congress after being denied a ticket in the previous assembly elections. His subsequent defeat in the Hubli Dharwad constituency led him to a role in the Legislative Council. As the Lok Sabha elections loomed, Shettar’s allegiance shifted back to the BJP, leading to friction with other contenders for the ticket. Upon rejoining the BJP, he sought nominations for either Dharwad or Haveri constituencies. However, with the announcement of candidates for both, Shettar finds himself overlooked, causing disappointment.
With the release of the first list of 20 candidates, the BJP has hinted at considering Shettar for the Belagavi constituency in the subsequent phase of candidate selection.