Cong’s Tahsildar warns of revolt if not given ticket

Tahsildar has been upset ever since the party chose Srinivas Mane, a former MLC and a Maratha leader from Hubballi, to contest in the Hangal bypoll held two years ago due to the demise of the sitting BJP MLA CM Udasi. Tahsildar had won in the 2013 polls and worked as Excise Minister in the Siddaramaiah government

Shyam Sundar Vattam | NT

Bengaluru: All does not seem to be well in the Haveri District Congress Unit with a former minister, Manohar Tahsildhar, and his supporters warning that the Congress party will regret it if it gives the Assembly poll ticket to a local candidate.

Going further, they have hinted at political polarisation if their demand is not met by state leaders. Tahsildar has been upset ever since the party chose Srinivas Mane, a former MLC and a Maratha leader from Hubballi, to contest in the Hangal by-polls held two years ago due to the demise of the sitting BJP MLA C.M.Udasi.

Tahsildar had won in the 2013 Assembly polls and worked as Excise Minister in the Siddaramaiah government. However, the Congress gave a ticket to Srinivasa Mane who lost to Udasi in the 2018 polls. Mane won by over 7,000 votes. Congress leaders also promised to make Tahsildhar the MLC which they didn’t do.

So, he has become a rebel and wants to get his demand fulfilled or strike a deal with the BJP which is looking for a suitable candidate in the Assembly polls. “I was denied a ticket in the 2018 election. They cheated me by not making me an MLC. I am confident of getting the ticket this time”, Tahsildar said.

Extending support to Tahsildar, KPCC Secretary Dr Prakashgowda Patil regretted that there was no respect for loyal workers. They have resolved to fight the election under the leadership of Tahsildar.