The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Karnataka): The political scene in Karnataka heated up with former Deputy Chief Minister K.S. Eshwarappa’s bold assertion on Wednesday. Eshwarappa, declaring his intention to run as an independent candidate, claimed that B.Y. Vijayendra, President of the BJP Karnataka unit, would resign from his position following the Lok Sabha election results.
Eshwarappa, having previously served as the State BJP Chief, expressed his determination to contest against B.Y. Raghavendra, Yediyurappa’s son and the current MP, in Shivamogga. He accused the BJP central leadership of yielding to B.S. Yediyurappa’s stubborn demands by appointing his son Vijayendra as the state chief, an action that has evidently sown discord within the party ranks.
Yediyurappa, responding to these allegations, refrained from directly addressing Eshwarappa’s comments, dismissing them as “irresponsible statements” and indicating that the electorate would provide the ultimate response.
The controversy stems from Eshwarappa’s grievances over electoral promises. He alleged that Yediyurappa had reneged on a promise to secure a ticket for Eshwarappa’s son, K.E. Kantesh, to contest in the Haveri constituency—a claim Yediyurappa denies.
Eshwarappa criticized the delay in Vijayendra’s appointment as the state BJP chief, suggesting that the central leadership’s initial hesitance was due to Yediyurappa’s undue influence. He questioned why other prominent Lingayat leaders, such as Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, were overlooked for the position, hinting at a systemic bias favoring Yediyurappa’s interests.
In defense, Yediyurappa argued that the party’s growth in Karnataka under Vijayendra’s leadership is undeniable, attributing Eshwarappa’s discontent to personal grievances related to electoral ticket distribution. He emphasized that candidate selection is a collective decision by the BJP Central Election Committee, not influenced by individual preferences.
As the controversy unfolds, Yediyurappa appealed to Eshwarappa to reconsider his decision to contest as an independent, underscoring the party’s efforts to maintain unity. Meanwhile, the veteran leader also critiqued the Congress party’s strategy, implying their desperation by attempting to woo disgruntled BJP leaders like former Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda.