Bengaluru, April 11 Rumblings have begun even before the ruling BJP in Karnataka has announced its first list of candidates for the Assembly polls. Amid reports that he is being denied a ticket to contest the elections, BJP veteran Jagadish Shettar on Tuesday requested the party high command to reconsider its decision. At the same time, the six-time MLA from Hubballi-Dharwad constituency also struck a defiant note by stating that he would certainly contest.
Speaking at a media briefing on Tuesday evening, Shettar who is also a former chief minister, claimed that he had received a phone call at the last moment from the high command in this regard.
"I am very disappointed. For more than three decades I have worked for the party and helped build it. If they had intimated me 2-3 months ago, I would have accepted it. But I have already begun campaigning and just a few days ahead of filing the nominations, it has been conveyed to me not to contest," he added.
The six-time MLA who smells victory for the seventh time, is in no mood to accede to the high command's wishes.
"When they asked me not to contest, I asked them to reconsider their decision but made it clear that I will contest at any cost. I asked them whether I'm facing any anti-incumbency wave or allegations. I am confident they will consider my request," Shettar said.
Assembly elections in Karnataka are scheduled for May 10 while the results are slated for May 13.
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