UPA's Survival On 22nd July? And Aftermath -2

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I won’t apologise to BJP leaders: Sangliana</b>

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: Bangalore North MP H.T. Sangliana, whose disqualification has been sought by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for voting against the whip in the crucial trust vote in the Lok Sabha, has categorically refused to apologise to the BJP leaders for voting in favour of a rival party. Mr. Sangliana was speaking to presspersons here on Tuesday after participating in a “Solidarity Fellowship” programme organised by his admirers and well-wishers.

Mr. Sangliana said in his view national interest should be above political interest and that he would not compromise with those who shared a contrary view. “Electricity is the need of the hour and Karnataka is facing severe power shortage. The issue should not be opposed just for the sake of politics,” he said. He said the BJP had expelled him and it had submitted a letter to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha to disqualify him. “After the Speaker’s ruling, I will decide my future course of action,” he said.

Blaming the State BJP leadership for ignoring his advice on giving a higher representation for minority communities in the last Assembly elections, he said had the State leaders accepted his suggestion, the party would have secured a comfortable majority in the State.

On whether he would contest the Lok Sabha elections, Mr. Sangliana said he was not the one to run away from the people’s call. On the attacks on his office, he said the Centre had provided him “Z” category security.