Halady Srinivasa Shetty to contest as Independent from Kundapur

Kundapur, March 27, 2013:

That the BJP is facing a tough time in its stronghold Dakshina Kannada and Udupi has been clearly demonstrated,  if the result of the recently concluded urban local bodies is anything to go by.  To add to the party’s cup of woes which is already brimful,  there is trouble for the party as sitting BJP MLA and strongman of Kundapur  Halady Srinivasa Shetty, who left the party  in July last year having been denied a ministerial berth, has announced that he would contest  as an independent candidate in the coming elections.  His decision to contest as an independent has put to rest all the speculations about his next move.

A three-time winner Halady’s decision to take the plunge  as an independent, has sent shivers down the spine of both BJP and Congress, for the simple reason that Kundapur is like Halady’s fiefdom as he enjoys considerable clout here.  Both BJP and Congress don’t have leaders who can match Halady’s charisma and persona or give a strong fight to this leader who has a mass appeal.  The only option BJP may have is to field Halady’s bête noire MLC and minister for Ports and Muzrai Kota Srinivas Poojary from Kundapur.  It remains to be seen whether BJP is willing to take such a risk or whether Srinivasa Poojary is willing to take up the challenge in Halady’s territory.   Halady has won from Kundapur three times in a row from 1999 onwards and in 2008 he scored a hat-trick by defeating the then Congress candidate Jayaprakash Hegde.  Kundapur BJP unit President Kishore Kumar  is also said to be an aspirant for ticket from the BJP.

Though Halady has made it clear that he is not willing to join any party and would prefer contesting as an independent, it is believed that the KJP is wooing him with all its might.  At this context, it looks like  Halady would rather prefer to contest as an independent candidate and then adopt a wait and watch policy.

Halady was forced to resign as he was denied ministry at the last minute which was given to his friend-turned foe Kota Srinivas Poojary.  Halady, being one of the he senior most ML’s was hurt by this humiliation meted out to him and resigned.  There was a day’s Bundh in Kundapur against the ill-treatment given to Halady.  If Halady sticks to his decision to contest as an independent  candidate, Kundapur constituency is sure to witness an interesting battle in the coming elections.