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BJP determined to nip dissidence in the bud

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party politician B B Shivappa, member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, was today suspended from the primary membership of the party for "anti-party activities and indiscipline".

In a press release, state party chief B S Yediyurappa said the action was taken to seek an explanation from the member and initiate further action accordingly.

Shivappa, a contender for the post of leader of the legislature party (who automatically becomes leader of the Opposition as the BJP is the largest opposition party) had lost to Jagadish Shettar yesterday.

Subsequently, his supporters went on the rampage, stoning passing vehicles, the party office and some nearby houses, and injuring several policemen and reporters.

BJP president Shashikant 'Kushabhau' Thakre assured the state unit that the leadership would fully back it in eradicating such gross indiscipline, BJP national secretary and former member of Parliament Basavaraj Patil Sedam said.

He said Thakre had sought a detailed report from the politicians who were present at yesterday's meeting and was provided with press reports and photographs.

Sedam, who was present at the meeting as party observer, said it was agreed before the election that the choice should be unanimous and the candidate who secured less votes would propose the winner's name. "Unfortunately this did not happen."

UNI

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