The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Karnataka):The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expelled K.S. Eshwarappa, the former Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, from the party for a period of six years. The expulsion follows his decision to contest the Shivamogga Lok Sabha seat independently, which the party described as an “embarrassment.”
Eshwarappa’s dismissal was announced by the state disciplinary committee. Lingaraj Patil, the committee president, stated, “Ignoring the party’s directions, you are contesting as a rebel candidate from Shimoga Lok Sabha constituency, causing embarrassment to the party. This is a violation of party discipline.”
The controversy began after the BJP decided against nominating Eshwarappa’s son Kanthesh for the Haveri seat, prompting Eshwarappa to run as an independent in Shivamogga, where he will challenge B.Y. Raghavendra, the son of former CM B.S. Yediyurappa and the current MP.
Despite his longstanding affiliation with the BJP, including a term as the party’s state unit president and as the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, Eshwarappa has been vocally critical of Yediyurappa’s leadership, particularly regarding the sidelining of leaders who champion the Hindutva cause.
Eshwarappa’s decision to file his nomination as an independent on April 12 marked a definitive end to his association with the BJP, as stated in his public declarations that he was no longer part of the party and did not fear disciplinary repercussions.
This expulsion underscores the intensifying internal conflicts within the BJP as the second phase of Lok Sabha polls in Karnataka approaches on May 7.