Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (DC)
Bengaluru, Apr 25: Rayanna Brigade president Virupakshappa and Koppala BJP former MP Shivarame Gowda joined the Congress at the presence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah here on Wednesday April 25.
On the occasion Virupakshappa said that there is no place in BJP for backward class community. “BJP president B S Yeddyurappa has poison all over his body and Eshwarappa has betrayed us. Since we are disappointed with the BJP for sidelining us and hence I have joined the Congress," he said.
“I have not betrayed the BJP nor the Brigade, BJP did. Hence I met chief minister Siddaramaiah,” he added.
“Rayanna Brigade was not active for the last few months. But now it will become active. It is an independent and apolitical outfit meant to fight for the issues of backward communities and would welcome anyone from any backward community, irrespective of his or her political affiliation. Elections are due in few weeks and we have not held any public meetings. We will meet after the elections. We will invite Eshwarappa too,” he further said.
He also said that he would campaign for the Congress candidates in Koppal and Raichur." We will strengthen the Congress party ahead of elections and will ensure its victory," he added.
Shivarame Gowda speaking to the media persons said, "There is no place for honest workers in the BJP. I come from Janatha Parivar background. BJP gave tickets to Karadi Sanganna and his son in Koppal but there is no value or respect for us. Then why we should work for BJP?"
In August 2016, Eshwarappa announced that the Sangolli Rayanna Brigade would begin activities to reach out to the Dalits in the state. But sources with the BJP say that the leaders, who were a part of the Rayanna Brigade, are disappointed with Eshwarappa, the Kuruba leader who had started the Sangolli Rayanna Brigade.
Kuruba leader of the BJP Virupakshappa was a ticket aspirant from Sindhanur .