Halappa may get a big kick before kiss

Updated on: 12 May,2010 09:02 AM IST |
B V Shiva Shankar |

BJP considers suspending former minister before pitting its full strength to help him to fight rape charge

BJP considers suspending former minister before pitting its full strength to help him to fight rape charge

Haratalu Halappa, who resigned as a minister after he was accused of raping his friend's wife Chandravathi, is likely to be suspended from the BJP. Sources who revealed that the leaders contemplating the move were however clear that the party would continue to work behind the scenes to bail Halappa out.

Halappa is allegedly working hard to use the CID into coercing Chandravathi into admitting that it was her husband Venkateshmurthy who had pressured her to accuse Halappa. "No one should accuse the BJP of favouring him because it is a ruling party," said a BJP leader. "There should not be relationship between him and the party in the first place. After he is out, we will be free to do what exactly we want to."

K S Eswarappa, BJP state president, confirmed that some members of the party are pressing for Halappa's suspension. "It is true but nothing has been decided. The party will not submit to any pressure. However, we are also committed to protecting the party's image."

Girish Mattennavar, former president of state BJP Yuva morcha and an known member of Chief Minister Yeddyurappa's camp, said, "Halappa was falsely framed in the rape case. It is our duty to explore ways and means to ensure justice is done to the innocent. So many things are happening in the party, I am not supposed to discuss all that with you."

Halappa has been hospitalised in Shimoga and the doctors are considering shifting him to Jayadeva Heart Hospital or Victoria Hospital in Bangalore.

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