BJP top brass steps in; Kateel says no history-sheeter will join party

BENGALURU: The BJP high command has cracked the whip on party state unit after two embarrassing incidents in which three history-sheeters are believed to have joined the party. However, BJP state president Nalin Kumar Kateel on Tuesday asserted that the party will not associate itself with history-sheeters.

The controversy erupted after some BJP leaders, including Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya, Bengaluru Central MP P C Mohan, Chickpet MLA Uday Garudachar and former corporator N R Ramesh shared the stage with history-sheeter ‘Silent’ Sunil at a blood donation camp in Chamarajpet.

At a recent event held outside the city, another notorious rowdy, ‘Fighter’ Ravi, is reported to have joined the BJP in the presence of some senior leaders. Another rowdy, Bettanagere Shankar, who is involved with many cases, has been preparing for the Zilla Panchayath elections and plans to contest from H D Kote.

Taking note of the developments in the state BJP, the party high command has warned the state unit not to associate with people who have criminal records.

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has also defended the party.

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, who left for New Delhi on Tuesday, defended the party while questioning  the Congress’ ties with those having criminal records.

BJP state chief Nalin Kumar Kateel told the media that the party has no links with criminal elements.

Karnataka BJP president Nalin Kumar Kateel clarified that the state BJP has no connection with rowdy ‘Silent’ Sunil. “No history-sheeter will join the BJP, and anyone with a criminal record is not welcome.I will seek an explanation from party leaders and members who attended the event with the rowdy. The BJP always supports national development, not criminals, who will not be tolerated”, he added.