B. Sriramulu, a close associate of the former Minister and jailed mining baron G. Janardhan Reddy, has made it clear that he would step down as MLA only if the BJP announces him as the party candidate in the Lok Sabha elections from Bellary Parliamentary Constituency.
Speaking to presspersons here on Sunday, Mr. Sriramulu said that he had formally joined the BJP, obtaining primary membership. Now, he would abide by any decision taken by the BJP.
“The State BJP leaders are keen on fielding me in Bellary and have communicated this to the party high command. If the central party leaders announce my name for the constituency, I will contest the elections after submitting my resignation letter to the Speaker. It is for the BJP to take a decision,” he said.
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To a question, Mr. Sriramulu said, “BJP leaders were keen on inducting only me into the party as they have the confidence that I would be able to help the party win seats in five districts. They are, however, apprehensive of technicalities that might crop up in the event of a merger of the BSR Congress with the BJP. Due to paucity of time, the BJP leaders are expected to take a decision at the earliest,” he said and added that the BJP and he are consulting legal experts to overcome the technical problems, if any.
When his attention was drawn to BJP leader Sushma Swaraj expressing opposition to his re-entry, Mr. Sriramulu said that his friends and he revered her as their godmother and they continue to have the same respect for her even now. To whether Ms. Swaraj would campaign for him if he is fielded as BJP candidate, Mr. Sriramulu replied in the positive.
“Ms. Swaraj would tour the country, as would other senior leaders, and she is likely to address a public meeting in Bellary. After ascertaining the itinerary, I would try to talk to her requesting her to take up campaigning in Bellary,” he said.
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