Mangalore, April 15,2013:
If initial indications are anything to go by Congress leader Vijay Kumar Shetty, who lost the race for ticket in Mangalore North constituency to Moideen Bava, will contest as an independent candidate. Vijay Kumar Shetty was a strong contender along with B-form holder Moideen Bava and Kripa Alva but finally it was Moideen who got the nod from Congress high command as a result of intense lobbying.
Angered by the denial of ticket supporters of Vijay Kumar Shetty organized a rally in Surathkal on April Sunday April 14 evening to express their disappointment.
Shetty was the party candidate from the constituency in 2004 but had lost to BJP’s Krishna Palemar. In 2008 he was sidelined in favor of Moideen Bava and Shetty supporters say he sacrificed the ticket in favor of Bava but Bava too lost to Krishna Palemar. So such a sacrifice was expected by Shetty supporters as a quid-pro-quo this time but Moideen resorted to heavy lobbying and clinched the ticket for self. This has enraged Shetty supporters who are now urging him to contest as an independent candidate against Bava.
It will be big setbacks for the Congress in Mangalore North as Shetty’s supporters have vowed that they would make all efforts to ensure Vokkaligas don’t vote for Congress.
It remains to be seen whether the Congress will be able to placate Shetty and bring about a truce as it did with Ivan in Mangalore South. Vijay Kumar Shetty’s next move is keenly watched by all.
