Bengaluru: Upset with the party’s decision to field Mr Haladi Srinivasa Shetty from Kundapura and ignore his candidature, veteran BJP leader of Udupi district, A.G. Kodgi has been trying to persuade another Bunt leader of the party and former MP, K. Jayaprakash Hegde to contest as a rebel from the constituency. But Mr Hegde has reportedly refused to take the bait although he himself is disappointed at not being fielded from Byndoor constituency.
Mr. Kodgi had recently openly criticised the party for fielding Mr Shetty, and asserted he would not work for his victory. But interestingly, his own son , Kiran Kodgi, who is a close aide of Mr Shetty, is working for his victory in Kundapura. When contacted Mr. Hegde claimed he was not unhappy as he had never sought a ticket to contest these assembly elections. His followers , are however, trying to persuade him to contest as an independent. A second rung leader of the BJP in Udupi district said loyal party workers were deeply disappointed with party for denying Mr. Hegde a ticket as he was a popular leader in Udupi district.
