Dakshina Kannada district Congress a divided house?

Mangaluru, Jun 9: Dissent against former Union minister B Janardhan Poojary has sparked a row in within Congress in Dakshina Kannada. While a section of Congress leaders are up in arms against veteran party leader over his outspoken statements against the leadership, especially CM Siddaramaiah, another section is stoutly backing him.

Puttur Block Congress Committee former president Kavu Hemanath Shetty and few leaders on Tuesday told reporters they are all set to write to KPCC and AICC against Poojary for making remarks on party leaders. Hemanath Shetty, who sought disciplinary action against Poojary, also has warned that party workers will stage a black flag protest at programmes that Poojary attends.

Senior Congress leader and former MLA K Vijayakumar Shetty told reporters on Thursday that Hemanath Shetty has no moral right to speak about Poojary. "It is a fact known to the nation that Poojary is a honest and selfless political leader. Poojary has no hesitation to speak against any political party leaders when they are at fault. Poojary has shown courage to speak even against his own party as he is a honest leader," Vijayakumar Shetty said.

Another senior Congress leader Kallige Tharanath Shetty too condemned the accusations made by Hemanath Shetty. "Veteran politicians like Poojary and Kagodu Thimmappa are guiding the party leadership by pointing out mistakes. Poojary has the strength and courage to speak when party leaders err. Hemanath Shetty has been speaking against Poojary on the instruction of some other powerful leaders. Let those instigating Hemanath Shetty come for an open debate," he said.

Puttur Block Congress president Fazal Rahman said, "Hemanath Shetty, who is only a primary member of the party at present, has no moral right to talk about Poojary." It may be added here that Hemanath Shetty had invited the wrath of party leaders after he launched Bharatiya Hindu Parishat in Puttur to counter the VHP.