Bleak future sends shivers down fans's spine

KARWAR: The stance of BJP high command at New Delhi has worried the supporters of fisheries minister Anand Asnotikar. The members of Asnotikar Fans' Association, who were confidant of a change in leadership in the state, are now a worried lot.
The main cause for worry is the Karwar port. The labour union of Karwar port is under the control of Asnotikar's family and the port is one of contributors for the clout that Asnotikar enjoys in Karwar politics.But the news trickling in from Hyderabad that if the BJP high command failed to heed the demands of the dissidents, then at least 15 rebel MLAs would resign. Asnotikar's supporters are sure that their leader has to resign to prove his loyalty to the Reddys. "But any such move would have political and financial repercussions," said a supporter.
Asnotikar, who contested on a Congress ticket, resigned within 40 days of his victory in the elections. He later joined BJP and went on to become a minister. However, he defeated Congress candidature, mining czar Satish Sail, in the by-election. "If he again resigns, then it would be difficult for us to face the people," he said.
It was an open secret that Asnotikar joined BJP more with the business compulsion than the political one, said Asnotikar's close confidant. It is easy to have a hold over the port as long as he remains a minister. There was proposal to convert Karwar port into a trust under Maritime Board. Being a minister, Asnotikar could withhold it at the government level. Now in the changed situation, the government may convert the port into a trust. That may loosen the control of Asnotikar's family over the port. "Most of the members of fans' association who depend on the income of the port may also be affected," he said.
""We had advised our leader to be neutral in such a situation. But he did not listen to us. Fools rush in where angels fear to tread. Still we hope dissident leaders would survive the political storm. He is young and have to be more cautious in the future," said a senior member of Asnotikar camp.