Shivamogga, Apr 12 (UNI) On his decision to contest as an Independent candidate from Shivamogga Lok Sabha constituency, rebel BJP leader KS Eshwarappa on Friday pointed out several grievances, including the perceived BS Yediyurappa family's concentration of power within the party, despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi's stance against such "dynastic control.
"PM Narendra Modi is saying that a party should not be in the hands of a family, but in Karnataka, BS Yediyurappa's son is BJP president and the other is an MP. I am contesting against it," he told a section of reporters here.
Eshwarappa also highlighted the dissatisfaction among certain sections of the BJP in Karnataka, particularly among those who identify strongly with Hindutva ideology.
He mentioned that leaders perceived as staunch proponents of Hindutva principles have been sidelined or removed from influential positions within the party. "CT Ravi, Anantkumar Hegde, Nalin Kumar Kateel, Pratap Simha all 'Hindutvavadi' leaders have been thrown out. I am doing this so that 'Hindutvavadi' gets the place," he said.
Eshwarappa's decision to contest as an independent candidate is framed as a response to this perceived marginalisation of Hindutva voices within the BJP.
By running independently, Eshwarappa seemingly aims to provide a platform for Hindutva supporters and address the grievances of party workers who feel disillusioned with the current BJP leadership in Karnataka. "Party workers in Karnataka are angry with BJP leaders," he said.
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