Addressing a news conference in his residence in Ballalbaugh on Monday,  he  said that he was contacted by the Congress senior leaders of the district namely Mr Janardhana Poojary, Mr Veerappa Moily and Mr Oscar Fernandes and they told him not to contest as an independent candidate but to work for the victory of the official candidate. They have even assured him of a ‘respectable position’ in the party if he agrees to this.

When questioned as to what that ‘respectible position’ could be or what he would want it to be, Mr Ballal said that he is here to serve the people and if he is asked by the senior leaders to serve the people as the Chairman of Wenlock Hospital, he would wholeheartedly accept that position too. “The party has never sidelined me. There will be reactions and opposition always but that cannot be called as rebel,” he said.

With Mr Ballal changing his tone, a relaxed Ivan D’Souza who was present at the news conference was heard saying, “50 per cent of my work is done!!”

Former mayor Shashidhar Hegde, Opposition leader Harinath, Krishnappa Mendon, Masood and others were present at the news conference.