Maele's opposition links irk UDC's Ketshogile
Koketso Kgoboge | Friday May 3, 2019 13:05
Ketshogile said he has learnt from the media and close allies in the constituency that the former BDP legislator harbours interests of joining the opposition crusade, but has vowed he would not trade his parliamentary candidate aspirations for anything.
He said he was bothered by rumours peddled by some members of his party that he had agreed to make way for Maele. “It has been awash in social media, and a lot of people are troubling me with this issue,” he said.
“I would like to make it clear that I have not agreed on anything with Maele. I would not stand down. I have a political career to worry about. I have been building this career for over 10 years, and people finally believe in my principles. I can’t throw it away, I would never be credible if I do, it would be suicidal,” he said.
The ruling BDP incumbent for the constituency was slapped with a 12-month suspension last week. The suspension rules Maele out of contesting the general elections under the BDP ticket in October.
The former lands minister did not deny links to opposition quarters. Although he said he could not divulge his ultimate plan, he declared he was consulting with family, friends, opposition parties and constituents.
“I am not in a position to answer anything except that I am consulting. I think in the next three weeks I would be able to speak about my resolutions and the way forward,” he stated.
Ketshogile said he has never celebrated Maele’s suspension from the BDP since the news broke. He said he knew it was the beginning of a storm in the constituency.
He said he would only welcome the former minister to the party as an ordinary member. Ketshogile, who is also a former BDP councillor and the incumbent councillor for Lerala East said the battleground would change now that Maele is without a party.
He said it would mean there would be three candidates in the constituency and as such votes would be split.
“I have covered a lot of ground and won many people (over). I was prepared to take Maele and the BDP head-on and I was confident. Now I have to prepare for a new battle”.
“I don’t think he would take the BDP suspension lying down and would not contest. I expect him to join either opposition Alliance for Progressives (AP) or contest as an independent candidate. BDP would also field another candidate, so the battleground is different. I am back to square one,” he said.
He said that Maele’s suspension, however, could be a blessing in disguise for the opposition in general.
He noted that Maele’s patronage in the constituency couldn’t be underestimated.
“BDP has lost big time. I campaign here, and I know how strong Maele is and he will definitely migrate with a great number of voters. It could work for us as the opposition.”