reported by, Pallavi Ghosh
Last Update: April 27, 2023, 12:57 pm IST
It is clear that Mahesh Tenginkai has the support of the entire party to ensure Shettar’s downfall. (Instagram/Mahesh Tenginkai)
From a campaign strategist for Shettar—who rebelled and joined the Congress—to taking him on, Tenginkai’s journey in the last few days has been eventful
Slogans of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and ‘Jai Yediyurappa’ greet the media as we walk into the Lingaraj Nagar Sadbhavana Bhawan, where former chief minister and one of the BJP’s tallest leaders is expected to campaign for Mahesh Tenginkai The party made Shettar stand in front of Jagdish.
Until a few days ago, before the BJP announced its list of candidates, Tenginkai was one of Shettar’s closest aides and party colleague. When the BJP got inputs that Shettar, the hubby of Hubballi and a six-time MLA, might find it difficult to win this time, he was asked to step down and make way for someone newer and younger. However, Shettar rebelled and joined the Congress.
From strategizing Shettar’s campaign to taking on him, Tenginkai has had an eventful journey in the last few days.
Speaking to News18.com on the campaign trail, Tenginkai said: “My surname means coconut in Kannada. Tough on the inside but soft on the inside. Shettar will lose and BJP will sweep in Hubli-Dharwad.
But wasn’t it Shettar who established the BJP’s stronghold in North Karnataka? “What did Shettar do alone? I was a party ‘karyakarta’ here and I helped them. I know he has risen because of us.
Both Shettar and Tenginkai belong to the powerful and politically influential Lingayat caste. “He keeps saying that Lingayats will be angry as they have been denied tickets. then what am i? Am I not also a Lingayat?
For the BJP, it is a carefully crafted plan with Yediyurappa, who is not contesting this time, being used extensively for campaigning. Hubli-Dharwad is definitely one such battle.
It is important for the BJP to ensure that Shettar is defeated. The fact that he joined the Congress and did not agree to the offer from the BJP tipped off top officials.
“That man (Shettar) will keep on attacking the Congress. he would say Rahul Gandhi Is in ICU. Today he wants to be a ventilator for her? People do not respect such people. Look at Eshwarappa. He showed the principle, ”Tenginkai said.
As soon as Yediyurappa walks in, BJP’s attention is lost and the crowd goes into a frenzy. Starting his speech, the veteran warrior said, “I have promised the PM that Shettar will be defeated.”
It is clear that Tenginkai has the support of the entire party to bring down Shettar. The general secretary, who once helped seal Shettar’s stronghold in Hubballi-Dharwad, has now been challenged to destroy it.
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