BELGAUM: The Lingayat BJP leaders of the district loyal to former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa have decided to hold a community convention either in Belgaum or Gokak in the month of April.
The decision in this regard was taken at a meeting held at Lingraj College of the KLE Society on Sunday evening.
The meet also decided to show Yeddyuappa’s power in state politics through the convention.
MP Suresh Angadi, MLC Mahantesh Kavatagimath, ZP president Iranna Kadadi, Prabhakar Kore and a few other Lingayat BJP MLAs of the district preferred to conduct the convention in Belgaum, instead of Gokak town, which happens to be the home town of Minister Balchandra Jarkiholi.
It may be recalled that Jarkiholi, who represents Arabhavi segment in Gokak taluk of the district conducted a Veerashaiva convention for which Yeddyurappa was not invited.
However, BJP state president Eshwarappa, Chief Minister Sadananda Gowda were invited by the Minister.
Though the details of the meeting were not disclosed, sources told Express that the Lingayat leaders of the district decided to hold the convention in a grand manner and felicitate Yeddyurappa.
It was also decided not to invite the community leaders who have been opposing Yeddyurappa.
MP Angadi reportedly said in the meeting that Jarkiholi brothers have been working against the interests of the Lingayats.
Kore, who hails from Chikkodi taluk, stressed the need of conducting the convention in Chikkodi taluk.
He pointed out that Jarkiholi family has a strong hold in Gokak taluk and Lingayats there do not dare to raise voice against the Jarkiholis.