Trouble for Shettar, faces land case

Looks like the BJP’s Karnataka woes are far from over. A day before his swearing-in, chief minister designate Jagdish Shettar found himself embroiled in a land row on Wednesday.

Looks like the BJP’s Karnataka woes are far from over. A day before his swearing-in, chief minister designate Jagdish Shettar found himself embroiled in a land row on Wednesday.

The complaint filed before Lokayukta judge NK Sundhindra Rao alleged that as revenue minister in 2006, Shettar had denotified 178 acres, thus violating rules and causing a revenue loss of R250 crore to the state exchequer.

Meanwhile, it was another day of high drama for outgoing CM DV Sadananda Gowda. On Wednesday morning, just as Gowda was leaving for Raj Bhavan to submit his resignation to the governor, a group of agitated supporters tried to stop him outside his residence.

Vokkaliga association members demanded that Gowda should not step down until he is given the post of the party’s state president.

It was only after police intervened that the convoy started moving towards Raj Bhavan. On the way, Gowda stopped and garlanded the statue of Basaweshwara, founder of the Lingayat sect.

Lingayats and Vokkaligas are dominant social groups. Gowda is a Vokkaliga, whereas the CM designate Jagdish Shettar is a Lingayat leader.

After submitting his resignation, Gowda told the media that he had acted as per the orders of the party high command, but he would convey the demands of Vokkaligas to party seniors.