Karnataka - Bijapur   

Pattanashetty's supporters jubilant

Staff Correspondent

BIJAPUR: The inclusion of the local MLA, Appasaheb Pattanashetty, in the State Cabinet has been welcomed here. There were fireworks going off all through the day.

Members of the Bharatiya Janata Party, particularly those owing allegiance to the Sangh Parivar, created a festive atmosphere in the city. His cut-outs and welcome arches have been put up all over the city. His supporters have planned a grand welcome when he arrives here on Friday for the Republic Day flag hoisting ceremony.

But Mr. Pattanashetty's induction appears to have discomfited the faction led by the Bijapur MP, Basanagouda R. Patil Yatnal. It is viewed as great set back to the Yatnal camp. Mr. Pattanashetty and Mr. Yatnal were once friends but fell apart after the defeat of the former in the 1999 Assembly elections. In the 2004 elections, despite opposition from Mr. Yatnal, party leaders had to nominate Mr. Pattanashetty at the behest of Sangh Parivar leaders.

The name of Mr. Pattanashetty, who is a follower of Deputy Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, was doing the rounds when the BJP-JD(S) coalition Government was formed a year ago.

But Mr. Yatnal threw his weight behind the Huvinahipparagi MLA, Shivaputrappa Desai, on the grounds that he had entered the Assembly for the third time.

Aspirant for berth

This time too, Mr. Desai, who quit te Janata Dal (U) on the eve of the last Assembly elections, was a strong aspirant for a Cabinet berth. His name was not considered even for the chairmanship of boards and corporations

What has further upset the Yatnal camp is the recommendation of Mangaladevi Biradar's name to head one of the State-owned boards. Ms. Biradar is a bitter critic of Mr. Yatnal.

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