Bengaluru, April 2 (UNI) Former Deputy Chief Minister and senior BJP leader KS Eshwarappa stood firm on his decision to contest the Shivamogga parliamentary seat against the party candidate, despite discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Eshwarappa's discontent stems from the denial of a party ticket to his son, KE Kantesh, from the Haveri seat, but the BJP opted for former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai instead.
This decision further fuelled Eshwarappa's dissatisfaction, prompting him to travel to Delhi to address the matter with the party's top leadership.
"Amit Shah asked me to come to Delhi and that he wants to speak to me. I have told him that I will come to Delhi but have told him that he must not ask me not to contest," he told reporters here.
Despite Shah's request not to contest, Eshwarappa remains resolute and willing to challenge the party's decision.
"Shah said that he would not direct but requested me to not contest. I have told him that it is not necessary," he said.
The two-phase Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka are scheduled on April 26 and May 7. In the previous general elections, the BJP secured a significant victory in Karnataka, winning 25 out of 28 seats.
UNI BDN SSP / CS