Here, blood relations run deep

RAICHUR: Raichur MP Phakirappa, cousin of BJP rebel B Sriramulu, had for long given the impression that his cousin and G Janardhana Reddy were instrumental for his victory. By actively participating in Sriramulu’s poll campaign, Phakirappa seems to be paying his gratitude to the former minister.In fact, state BJP leader Raghunath Malkapure had met Sriramulu and expressed the party’s willingness to make him candidate — an offer which he flatly rejected.District BJP leaders, understandably, are in a confusion over their future course of action. While the leaders are silent, sources said that the party would issue a show-cause notice to the MP. But it remains to be seen whether the party can afford to take such action as even Bellary BJP MP J Shantha, Sriramulu’s sister, is supporting her brother.When Devadurga MLA Shivangouda Nayak rebelled against then chief minister B S Yeddyurappa, the Reddy brothers were with the latter. However, the political equations have now changed; when Sriramulu toured Devadurga taluk, he questioned Nayak’s stand, who has now allied again with the recently released former chief minister.