By Shweta Somaya, Team Mangalorean - Bangalore

Bangalore: Shri Nanjavadhutha Maha Swamiji of Shri Gurugunda Brahmeshwara Swamy Maha Samsthana Math of Pattanayakanahalli-Spatikapuri in Sira Taluk of Tumkur district and state Vokkaliga Sangha president Kenchappa Gowda jointly addressed a media meet here on Saturday expressing their anger over removing chief minister Sadananda Gowda from the chief minister's position.

They insisted that Gowda, who had been providing the state with good governance, should not be replaced by Jagadish Shettar. The Swamiji warned that if any such attempt was made, statewide protests would be held.

Shri Nanjavadhutha Swami               Kenchappa Gowda

The BJP top brass owed it to the state to tell them on what grounds DVS was being removed from his post. DVS had not begged or lobbied with anyone to make him the CM. He had only complied with the higher-ups' orders and gave the state efficient, active and honest governance. He had brought a good name to the state with his record, they said.

"The only question that we need the answer for is as to why he is being replaced. This is not because he belongs to a certain community. DVS has not done much for his community. Yet, we would oppose his removal from the post," said the Swamiji.

"He was made the chief minister by the party. We will not allow him to be made a sacrificial lamb. We will be forced to join hands with the depressed classes in teaching the BJP a fitting lesson," he warned.

"Just because there was pressure from a particular community, it is not correct to change the CM. If they wanted to make Shettar the CM, they could have made when Yeddyurappa quit the post. This clearly reeks of sinister designs. If they want to change now, let them make a Dalit the CM, which we would fully support," he said.

"In the Bangalore Metropolitan Municipal Council, there are 52 elected members. Vokkaligas are spread over 13 to 15 districts and have an upper hand in 150 assembly constituencies. Because of the drought situation in the state, we had maintained silence. This should not be mistaken for our weakness. The BJP high command will be totally responsible for all future developments," he declared.

'Get out of the Lingayat party'

"The BJP has become a Lingayats' party. The party which came to power with the help of all communities has now become solely a Lingayat outfit. It is time for those from the Vokkaliga and other communities who are currently in the BJP to come out of the Lingayat party,' thundered Kenchappa Gowda.

Kenchappa Gowda speaks to Mangalorean.com

Speaking over phone from Bangalore on Sunday, July 8, Sangha president Kenchappa Gowda told Mangalorean.com that a meeting of community leaders has been convened in the KuVemPu auditorium in V V Puram in Bangalore at 11 am on Monday, July 9, to chalk out the future strategy. About 4 to 5 thousand people are expected to gather on the occasion.

When told that DVS had already resigned on Sunday and hence when asked about the use of agitating now, he said the nature of protest would be decided on Monday. He said a clear message would be sent to the community.

There are also plans to stage protests in front of the Vokkaliga MLAs and ministers in the BJP.