JOIN USA section of BJP leaders in Hassan, including district president Yoga Ramesh, is out to stonewall the move by Congress leader and former minister Arkalgud Manju to join the saffron party.
A Manju has shown inclination of contesting the Hassan Lok Sabha seat on BJP ticket.
Yoga Ramesh told reporters, "Manju is unwanted in the Congress itself. How can be of any help to the BJP when he is being sidelined in his party? He has spoiled the BJP in the past. The party leadership instead should issue the ticket to one of the local leaders."
Continuing his tirade against Manju, the BJP district president said, "Local leaders and the workers have opposed the inclusion of Manju into the BJP. Earlier, he (Manju) was in BJP. He ruined the party in the district before switching over to the Congress. His contribution to Hassan as district in-charge minister was big zero. Manju left the Congress in tatters in Hassan."
The BJP leadership should not induct Manju into party fold or give him the ticket for Lok Sabha election from Hassan, Yoga Ramesh said.
"The local workers and leaders have built and strengthened the party over the years in the district. Hence, a local leader should be given the ticket. State leaders have not asked our opinion so far. If they seek our views, we will tell them the same," he added.
Interestingly, a while later, A Manju joined by a group of Congress and BJP workers, performed special puja at Anjaneya Swami temple in Hassan.
A Manju, speaking to reporters here, admitted that he had indeed met BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa three days back. "I will announce my decision after holding discussions with the party workers, well-wishers and friends in next two days."
He said that he would support H D Deve Gowda if the JD(S) supremo seeks re-election from Hassan. He, however, added that he would oppose Prajwal Revanna's candidature.