'Ready for the tightrope walk'

Jagadish Shettar was a much relieved man after being elected the new BJPLP leader on Tuesday evening.

Shettar, who had refused to speak to the media in the last few days, said: “The Pandora’s box has opened and all the secrets are out. I guess I can speak freely now,” he said. The Lingayat leader expressed happiness over being elected “unanimously”.

“The high command, senior leaders and all the legislators have reposed faith in me. I will accordingly take up the responsibility and run the government smoothly and successfully,” he said.

When asked about the continuing rebellion in the party, Shettar said the matter was inconsequential because despite all the hurdles, he had been elected unopposed.

When asked about Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda’s delaying tactics in submitting his resignation, Shettar said, “Gowda has already submitted his resignation to BJP national president in Delhi. What is the difference if there is a delay of a day or two?”

He said dissidence and rebellion existed in all parties and that he had anticipated trouble from Gowda’s camp.

“I wasn’t surprised that they didn’t show up for the BJPLP till  the end of the day. The dissident trend has been there all week long,” he said.

Shettar’s house finally showed some signs of real celebration. With relatives and well-wishers thronging the house, the BJP leader’s wife and sons played perfect hosts.