Bengaluru: The Karnataka BJP unit expelled former deputy chief minister K S Eshwarappa from the party for six years. The expulsion came after Eshwarappa filed his nomination as an Independent candidate from Shivamogga against sitting BJP MP and party nominee B Y Raghavendra, son of former chief minister B S Yediyurappa. Raghavendra is also the brother of Karnataka BJP unit chief B Y Vijayendra.
In a letter addressed to Eshwarappa, 75, BJP state disciplinary committee president Lingaraja Patil said, “Ignoring the orders of the party, you are contesting as a rebel candidate from Shivamogga Lok Sabha constituency. This has caused embarrassment to the party and has violated the disciplinary code. Starting from now, you have been vacated from all responsibilities and have been suspended from the party for six years.”
The BJP has also objected to Eshwarappa using the image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his campaign. The party has filed a complaint with the Election Commission (EC). However, Eshwarappa also said that he has filed a caveat in a local court stating that he should not be stopped from using PM Modi’s photo during electioneering as “Modi is our leader”.
Reacting to the development, one of Eshwarappa’s close aides said they were expecting the expulsion. Eshwarappa himself did not respond to the order but said he would hold a press meeting soon.
According to sources, the BJP tried to pacify Eshwarappa multiple times but without success. Vijayendra in one of his poll campaigns in Shivamogga district had even claimed that he and his brother had the ‘blessings’ of Eshwarappa.
