Bengaluru: The initial list of 20 candidates for the Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka released by the BJP has sparked discontent among state leaders, with some indicating a potential switch to the Congress party.
K S Eshwarappa, a former Deputy Chief Minister known for his allegiance to the RSS, has openly opposed the party’s decision. His dissent intensified following the omission of his son, K E Kantesh, from the candidate roster announced by the party’s high command a week ago.
Seeking a ticket for his son from the Haveri Lok Sabha seat, Eshwarappa was disappointed to see the party nominate the incumbent MLA and former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai instead.
Expressing his dissatisfaction, Eshwarappa declared his intention to contest the elections from Shivamogga against B Y Vijayendra, the elder son of former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, in protest against what he perceives as ‘dynastic politics in Karnataka’.
In an interview with PTI, Eshwarappa criticized the state of affairs within the BJP in Karnataka, likening it to the centralized control observed in the Congress party. He lamented the sidelining of those advocating for Hindutva, citing examples such as C T Ravi, Pratap Simha, Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, and Sadananda Gowda.
Asserting his resolve to contest the election under any circumstances, Eshwarappa emphasized his commitment to the cause.
Meanwhile, former Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda, initially hesitant about contesting the Lok Sabha elections, has expressed a sudden eagerness to participate. He hinted at the possibility of considering joining the Congress, with an official announcement expected during a press conference.
In Koppal, incumbent BJP MLA Karadi Sanganna expressed disappointment at being denied a ticket. Although he indicated communication with Congress leaders, he stated that a decision had not yet been made, pending discussions with party members.
The nomination of V Somanna from Tumakuru by the BJP has caused discontent among party members like former Karnataka Minister J C Madhuswamy, who felt unsupported by the party leadership. While expressing his grievances, Madhuswamy highlighted the uncertainty surrounding his future within the party.
With Karnataka’s elections scheduled in two phases on April 26 and May 7, the discontent within the BJP indicates a turbulent political landscape in the state.
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