Guru-Shishya fight for BJP’s Raichur Lok Sabha ticket

Kalaburagi: The finalisation of the BJP candidate for the Raichur Lok Sabha seat is being delayed due to a tough fight between one-time Guru and Shishya (Devadurga MLA Shivangouda Naik and former legislator Thipparaju) for the ticket. While the Shishya ( Thipparaju) is clamouring for the ticket, his guru is leaving no stone unturned to scuttle his chances.

Former minister Raja Amareshwar Naik, a protégé of Shivanagouda Naik, is likely to be finally declared the candidate as he has the backing of big leaders including former minister Raju Gowda, who is the sitting MLA from Surpur.

Shivangouda, who played a key role in getting Thipparaju elected as legislator in 2013, has fallen out with him after the latter allegedly worked against the former when he contested the Rachur Lok Sabha seat in 2014 and narrowly lost by around 1400 votes.

Shivangouda, who initially tried to get the ticket for his uncle Ananthraj Naik, later started supporting the candidature of Amareshwar Naik, as he has an axe to grind against his one time shishya Thipparaju.

Shivangouda's threat to quit the party if the candidature of Amareshwar Naik was rejected and the ticket given to Thipparaju has put the high command in a spot. Initially the high command was said to be in favour of fielding Shivangouda Naik, considering his good performance in the 2014 LS polls and also his present stature in the district. But party chief Yeddyurappa, shot down the plan. Reason-if Mr Shivangouda won, and became MP it would reduce the BJP's strength in the Assembly and fighting a byelection with the coalition government in office is fraught with high risks.

Although Ameshwar Naik is a party hopper, he still enjoys a good image in the district.