Haveri: Members of the Karnataka Pradesh Kuruba Association and supporters of senior Congress leader and Byadgi MLA Basavaraj Shivannanavar staged a protest in Haveri on Thursday, demanding that he be inducted into the cabinet headed by chief minister D K Shivakumar.The rally began at Murugharajendra Math on Kaginele Road and passed through key parts of the city before culminating at Martyr Mailar Mahadevappa Circle. Protesters raised slogans urging the Congress high command to grant Shivannanavar a ministerial berth.Addressing the gathering, district Kuruba Association president Nagaraj Anveri said Shivannanavar, a four-time MLA, enjoys support across North Karnataka and has worked for the welfare of all communities. He said appointing him as a minister would benefit both the district and the party.Agadi Akkimath seer Gurulinga Swamiji described Shivannanavar as a leader who rises above caste and party lines.The protest briefly turned dramatic when a supporter, Guddappa Olekar, allegedly attempted to consume petrol. Alert workers quickly intervened, snatched away the bottle and brought the situation under control.
