Halappa's political allegiance kept changing

The ministerial berth for Halappa was a recognition from the party for breaking the stonghold of his one-time mentor former chief minister S Bangarappa in Sorab constituency. Halappa had emerged victorious from the constituency which witnessed Bangrappa’s two sons - Kumar and Madhu - contesting against each other.   The BJP also felt a ministerial berth for Halappa will also help in mobilising the dominant Idiga votes in the Shimoga belt.

However, it was not long back, that the BJP which today is rallying behind Halappa, had sought Halappa’s expulsion from the legislature. When Bangarappa joined the BJP in 2004, Halappa successfully contested from Hosanagara constituency on a BJP ticket. Bangarappa soon fell out with the BJP and joined the Samajawadi party.

Halappa and another MLA Belur Gopalakrishna identified themselves with SP despite being in the BJP. The BJP petitioned the then Speaker Krishna to disqualify the two legislators. As the May 2008 polls neared, Halappa fell out with Bangarappa and again identified himself with the BJP. The sudden rise in status and political domination resulted in Halappa making enemies. His one time friend Gopalakrishna became his bete noire.  A BCom graduate, Halappa has a son and a daughter. His wife Yashodha, a home-maker, is Bangarappa’s sister-in-law’s daughter.  He is into liquor business.