DKS cannot poach BJP leaders: Shettar

Hubballi: Water resources minister D K Shivakumar is trying to poach BJP workers by using money and muscle power on the line of Kanakapura elections in Kundgol assembly bypoll, alleged former chief minister Jagadish Shettar. Speaking to reporters here on Thursday, Shettar warned Shivakumar not to threaten BJP workers. “If he continues to do it, he will have to face consequences. BJP will not remain mute spectators,” he added.
Shettar alleged that Congress was running short of party workers and leaders. Because of which Shivakumar was threatening BJP workers to work for Congress. “He has already approached many BJP workers through his close aids. But BJP workers are firm and committed for the party candidate's victory,” said Shettar.
‘BSY Will remain BJP chief’
Reacting to speculations that there will be a change in BJP’s state leadership, Shettar said, “As of now there is no vacancy. Former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa is working as the party state president and he will continue. All these speculations and rumours are media creations only. Nothing is happening in the party.” Shettar also made it clear that he is not in the race for the chief minister’s post. “After May 23, BJP will come to power and B S Yeddyurappa will become the chief minister. There is no question of the party changing the chief ministerial candidate,” he added.
Defending B Sriramulu’s statement that minister C S Shivalli died due to the harassment by the coalition government, Shettar said the late minister was hurt during Siddaramaiah’s government itself when he was not inducted into the cabinet. “Shivalli was also under mental pressure when he was not given a berth when the cabinet was formed for the first time. Many times Shivalli expressed his pain with me,” said Shettar. He also alleged that mental harassment might also have been a cause of his death.