Vokkaliga opposition to Lingayat strongman

CHIKMAGALUR: In what could be construed a sign of support for Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda, Vokkaligas in district are against dethroning Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda in an undemocratic manner.District Vokkaliga Sangha leaders at an emergency meeting held here on Tuesday have cautioned the dissident BJP faction against any such efforts. Sangha president Halase Shivanna said that they are monitoring developments in the state capital and will organise a struggle depending upon the decision taken by the party leadership.Former district Vokkaliga Sangha president H D Rame Gowda told Express that Vokkaligas of Malnad are known for their generosity and always rise above caste considerations, which was proved when the late D C Srikanthappa, a Lingayat, was elected to the Parliament from Chikmagalur thrice.Another Vokkaliga leader I M Mahesh Gowda criticised Yeddyurappa for bringing Veerashaiva seers into the picture. A professor of political science at IDSG Science and Arts College told on condition of anonymity that leaders of both the factions and the leadership must end the issue soon.