BJP spokesman’s remarks on shifting of offices draw flak

Belagavi: Remarks made by BJP spokesman MG Mahesh, who on Saturday questioned the rationale of shifting government offices to the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi, stirred up a controversy, with outraged activists condemning the saffron party’s functionary. Interacting with representatives of the media in Belagavi, Mahesh said, “To expect that North Karnataka’s development will be helped by shifting government offices to the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha is wrong.”
The BJP spokesman’s comments drew flak from a large number of Belagavi-based activists. Activist Ashok Chandaragi said that the people of Belagavi were pained by Mahesh’s remarks. “Mahesh must apologise to the people of Belagavi. Chief minister Basavaraj Bommai must make clear his government’s stance on these statements,” Chandaragi said.
On statements made by senior BJP MLA Umesh Katti about the possible bifurcation of the state, Mahesh said, “He has expressed his opinion about statehood for North Karnataka. But it is only his personal opinion, and not the official position of the BJP.”