Udupi: Rumours of a rift were sparked by BJP MLA Halady Srinivas Shetty’s absence from a felicitation programme held for newly-elected BJP President Nalin Kumar Kateel in Kidiyoor Hotel, Udupi on Tuesday, September 10.
It can be recalled that Shetty was an aspirant for a post in the state cabinet but it was not fulfilled. His absence was marked by the empty seat which was reserved for Shetty on the dais at the felicitation programme. An MLA from Byndoor was also a no-show at the event.
Although the reason behind the absence of both MLAs is yet to be ascertained, it is said that Shetty kept away from the programme since he was rejected for the post of a state cabinet minister.
However, Udupi MLA Raghupathi Bhat, Karkala MLA Sunil Kumar, and Kaup MLA Lalaji Mendon were present for the programme.
