Vinay's bail cancellation by top court likely to upset region's applecart

THE Supreme Court's decision to cancel bail for Congress leader and MLA Vinay Kulkarni is not only a major personal setback but also a significant blow to his political aspirations, particularly his hopes of securing a cabinet berth in the state government.

- PRAMODKUMAR VAIDYA @Hubballi

Within the Congress party, his rivals see this as an opening to strengthen their influence in the Dharwad Assembly segment, which Vinay won despite being barred from entering the constituency.

Meanwhile, BJP leaders continue to attack him, branding him a tainted leader.

Last Friday, a two-judge vacation bench of the Supreme Court cancelled the bail granted to Kulkarni in connection with the 2016 murder of BJP leader Yogishgowda Goudar.

The court found that Kulkarni and another accused had attempted to tamper with evidence and influence witnesses.

It directed him to surrender before the trial court within a week.

In compliance with the order, Kulkarni is expected to surrender before the People's Representative Court in Bengaluru on Thursday.

Kulkarni had previously spent nine months in jail, from November 2020 to August 2021, in connection with the same case.