Dharwad: The reason I lost the BJP ticket in this election was because of B. L. Santosh, alleged Former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar. Santosh spread slander against me at the High Command. His team also spread slander against me and strategised against me, he said and added that I got the wrong ticket from him.

Speaking at a press conference held at his residence in Hubballi on Tuesday April 18, he said that Mahesh Tenginakai has been given a ticket this time. He has worked for the party. If the party had so much respect for him, he could have been made a member of the Vidhan Parishad or taken to the centre. But, he (BL Santosh) had an eye on me. He repeatedly insulted me, he allegd.

He spread slander, he alleged and alleged that Santosh denied him a ticket.