Divide evident within JD(S) as D M Aslam raises in revolt against Dist Prez

Mangalore, October 15: It was evident that all is not well within the district Janata Dal (Secular) as DM Aslam, President, Minority Wing, Dakshina Kannada JD(S), rose in revolt against M B Sadashiva, District President, in the presence of media persons at a press meet organized by the party in the city.

District JD(S) had convened a press meet in Mangalore on Monday where B Nagaraj Shetty, Former Minister, was officially handed over the post of State Vice President of JD(S).

Trouble began even before the press meet started, when Mr. Aslam started complaining about him being asked to go back from the venue.

Briefing the media about the future course of action of the party in the district, Mr. Sadashiva said that many more leaders and activists are willing to join JD(S) and the second round of induction will be held at a programme on October 29 at Town Hall. “With newer people joining the party, a need has arisen to reform all our committees and hence, as per the direction of the State unit, all the block committees of the party in the district would be dissolved. We have to take into account the old activists of the party, their activeness and sacrifices and also the talent, skill and expertise that the newer lot would bring. We need to strike a balance and form these committees. To supervise the process, a committee will work in this regard comprising of myself, senior leaders Amarnath Shetty and Nagaraj Shetty, besides MG Hegde, Sushil Noranha and Aboobakkar Natekal”, said Mr. Sadashiva.

At this point, Mr. Aslam got up and objected to the inclusion of Mr. Natekal in the committee. “Aboobakkar Natekal has been inactive in the party for the past two years. Drop his name and include my name in the committee”, he demanded.

Mr. Aslam also criticized Mr. Sadashiva in the open and said that he is the one who needs to be ousted from the party first. He also said that he is not willing to stay in the party if Mr. Sadashiva continues in the office. “I will not work with him. Let them oust me” he said.

Shakuntala, Haladi to join JD(S)?

Responding to a query as to whether Shakuntala Shetty of BJP is also among the members to be inducted into JD(S) at the party programme scheduled for October 29, Mr. Sadashiva said that it is not apt for him to reveal the names now.

“It could be her, it could be Haladi Srinivas Shetty. We do not want to reveal it now. There is also an attempt from our side to hold on to some of these people who are willing to join us until that date as political equations keep changing”, he said.

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