BJP raking up unwanted issues: RVD

Hubballi: As BJP doesn't have any specific issue for the Kundgol assembly bypoll, it is unnecessarily raking up the issue of late C S Shivalli not getting a ministerial berth in the first batch, alleged district minister R V Deshpande.
Deshpande, who spoke to reporters here at the airport on Friday said, “It’s very unfortunate that BJP is trying to rake up an irrelevant issue instead of raising major issues . Shivalli was made a minister by the high command for his ability and service to the party. I too recommended his name for a cabinet berth. Shivalli was known as a ‘Badavara Bandhu’.”
“I have no differences with minister D K Shivakumar and we will work together for the victory of the Congress candidate. I don't have any rivalry with anyone in the party. I have played a very long innings in politics and am not a very ambitious person. I am happy with whatever I have currently,” he said.
When asked about the delay in him joining the campaign for the bypoll he said, “We are silent workers and are not crazy about publicity. I had also gone abroad on a tour.”
Refuting the charges levelled by former chief minister Jagadish Shettar that Shivakumar was using money and muscle power, Deshpande said, “Shivakumar being a senior most and responsible politician he won't do so. Some youth have come from Kanakapura but they are working honestly.”
“Shivalli's wife will win on the basis of the good works done by late Shivalli, development works done during Siddaramaiah’s government and the coalition government along with sympathy,” added Deshpande.