Senior BJP leader KS Eshwarappa has declared his intent to contest independently in the upcoming elections, expressing confidence in his ability to secure victory regardless of attempts to dissuade him, even by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Assertion of Independence
Addressing a public gathering in Shivamogga, Eshwarappa reaffirmed his decision to contest independently after his son was denied a ticket for the Haveri-Gadag Lok Sabha seat. He emphasized his commitment to his supporters, stating that he would not entertain any attempts, including from PM Modi, to change his mind.
Stand Against Party Decision
Eshwarappa underscored his loyalty to the party over four decades but expressed dissatisfaction with recent decisions regarding ticket allocations. He claimed support from fellow party members CT Ravi, Sadananda Gowda, Nalin Kumar Kateel, and Pratap Simha, who deemed the decision unfair.
Catalyst for Independent Candidacy
The decision to contest independently stemmed from dissatisfaction over the party’s choice of candidates, particularly regarding his son’s denial of a ticket. Eshwarappa’s supporters urged him to contest as an independent candidate, symbolizing their protest against the party’s decisions.
Electoral Landscape in Karnataka
The BJP had recently announced its candidates for the Lok Sabha elections, including notabl
e figures such as Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and BS Yediyurappa’s son BY Raghavendra. However, Eshwarappa’s decision to pursue an independent candidacy reflects internal discontent within the party over ticket allocations.
Reaffirmation of Independence
Despite the party’s initial list of candidates, Eshwarappa’s decision to contest independently signals his resolve to uphold his principles and represent his constituents independently of party affiliations.
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