Rebel BJP leader KS Eshwarappa made a bold move by filing his nomination as an independent candidate for the Shivamogga Lok Sabha seat, challenging the incumbent BJP MP BY Raghvendra, son of former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa. Eshwarappa's decision comes amidst allegations that the party is under the influence of Yediyurappa and his family, with his son currently serving as BJP president in Karnataka.
Expressing his discontent with the party's leadership, Eshwarappa emphasized the need to uphold Prime Minister Narendra Modi's stance against familial control within political parties. He cited the denial of a BJP ticket to his son Kantesh for the Haveri seat as a motivating factor for his independent candidacy, alleging that promises made by Yediyurappa were not fulfilled.
Eshwarappa's campaign kickstarted with a roadshow in Shivamogga, where he highlighted the discontent among BJP workers in Karnataka, particularly regarding the treatment of prominent Hindutva leaders within the party. He aims to ensure that the voice of 'Hindutvavadis' is represented within the BJP.
With plans for a robust door-to-door campaign, Eshwarappa seeks to inform voters about the perceived injustices he has faced and rally support against what he views as the control of the party by Yediyurappa and his son. Despite the challenges ahead, Eshwarappa remains confident in his ability to cleanse and purify the party following the elections.
As a five-time MLA from Shivamogga and a prominent Kuruba leader within the BJP, Eshwarappa's independent candidacy marks a significant development in Karnataka's political landscape.
