The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Karnataka):In a striking move within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ranks, senior leader K S Eshwarappa from Karnataka has openly defied Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s request to retract his candidacy for the Lok Sabha seat in Shivamogga. Eshwarappa’s determination stems from his displeasure over the party’s decision to deny his son, K E Kanthesh, a ticket for the neighbouring Haveri constituency, opting instead to support B Y Raghavendra, the son of BJP stalwart B S Yediyurappa, in Shivamogga.
Eshwarappa, who has previously held the positions of Deputy Chief Minister and state party chief, expressed his disillusionment with what he perceives as Yediyurappa’s betrayal. Despite Shah’s intervention and appeal for unity during his election campaign visit to Karnataka, Eshwarappa remained resolute in his decision to contest, emphasizing his commitment to addressing the grievances of the party’s grassroots supporters and his aspiration to cleanse the party of nepotism.
During a candid disclosure to the media, Eshwarappa recounted Shah’s call, describing the Union Home Minister’s expression of surprise at his candidacy and urging him to withdraw, promising to address his concerns in due time. However, Eshwarappa, aged 75, is steadfast, motivated by a desire to reform the party and end the dominance of dynastic politics, a stance he feels is in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for the BJP.
Eshwarappa’s contention also highlights a broader dissatisfaction within the party’s Karnataka unit, critiquing the increasing influence of Yediyurappa’s family and the perceived departure from the BJP’s core values, including the commitment to Hindutva ideology. His rebellion is not just a personal crusade but a call for ideological purity, referencing other prominent party figures who share his concerns.
This act of defiance has placed Eshwarappa at the heart of a critical discourse on party loyalty, governance, and the future direction of the BJP in Karnataka. As he prepares to meet Shah in Delhi, the political drama unfolding in Shivamogga signals a crucial juncture for the party, challenging its strategies and ideological commitments ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.