Revu Naik Belamagi decides to quit BJP

Upset over denial of ticket to contest the forthcoming Assembly elections from Gulbarga Rural Assembly constituency, former minister Revu Naik Belamagi has decided to quit the BJP.

"The BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa has slit my throat. In the past, Yeddyurappa travelled extensively all over the state claiming that H D Kumaraswamy had slit his throat and backstabbed. Now, he has done the same thing to me. I will tell this to people," Belamagi told reporters on Saturday.

"Yeddyurappa has given the ticket to Basavaraj Mattimood who has criminal antecedents, besides money and muscle power. Mattimood is involved in cricket betting. There were reports that the BJP was selling tickets for money. The BJP's decision to field Mattimood is an indication in this regard. Yeddyurappa should explain Mattimood's contributions to the BJP," Belamagi sought.

"My supporters and Banjara community leaders are forcing me to contest as an Independent or on the JD(S) ticket. I will take a suitable decision soon," he said.

He said he would take a decision based on the outcome of meetings of Veerashaiva-Lingayat, Koli and Kuruba community leaders.