Ministerial berth row: Hanagal MLA clarifies his stand after colleague’s charge

Haveri: Amid ongoing discussions within the Congress over ministerial berths, Hanagal MLA Srinivas Mane has written to District Congress Committee president Sanjeevkumar Neeralagi seeking clarification.

The move follows Bydagi MLA Basavaraj Shivannanavar’s statement to the media, accusing Mane of spreading false information against him to block his chances of securing a ministerial post. In his letter, Mane clarified, “I have not spread any false information about Shivannanavar’s age or health to anyone. I remain committed to the party leadership’s decision, even if someone else from the district is given a cabinet berth.”

He said the media statement by the senior MLA had caused him distress and requested the district president to seek clarification from the concerned leaders and present the facts to the media. He also expressed concern that such remarks could create unnecessary confusion within the party and hamper its progress. “As I am currently in Delhi, I am sending this letter via WhatsApp,” Mane stated.

District Congress president Neeralagi issued a video statement to the media, saying the issue arose due to a lack of coordination between Shivannanavar and Mane. He added that the matter should be resolved within the party framework. The district has three senior legislators and three younger MLAs, all of whom share mutual respect. The present misunderstanding will be discussed with both leaders and resolved, he said.