Silvester D’ Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)
Kundapur, Apr 10: "I will contest the Lok Sabha elections. I am currently visiting and campaigning in various locations within the constituency. It is evident that ordinary people have come forward to support me. Both Congress and JDS leaders have faced questions from their party workers regarding their decision to support me. However, their party workers have affirmed their support for me over Eshwarappa. The proponents of Hindutva in the state, including senior campaigners, have blessed my candidacy. With such overwhelming support, I am confident of victory in the elections," stated BJP rebel and independent Lok Sabha candidate K S Eshwarappa during a press conference in Kundapur on Wednesday April 10.
He further said, “Hindutva campaigners C T Ravi, Pratap Simha, and Basavana Gowda Patil Yatnal have faced challenges in the state, leaving the party workers disheartened. I conveyed these concerns to Amit Shah over the phone, and he suggested a meeting in Delhi. Despite their grievances, my failure to meet Amit Shah doesn't stem from their discontent towards me. I believe that Modi and Amit Shah might have discussed and decided that I should win the elections.
“Yediyurappa visited Delhi and raised objections to the formation of the Sangolli Rayanna Brigade. I too was summoned to Delhi, where discussions lasted for three hours. I emphasized the inclusion of backward class people in the Brigade, which Yediyurappa opposed. Amit Shah advised me to step back, leading to the dissolution of the Sangolli Rayanna Brigade. During the previous elections, they urged me to refrain from contesting, promising a ticket to Kanthesh in Haveri, which never materialized. BJP is currently under the control of a father-son duo, against which I am contesting.
"Should the use of Modi's photo be restricted to Raghavendra alone? Let him take the matter to court if there are any objections. We'll abide by the court's decision. Yediyurappa has deceived with falsehoods. My allegiance lies with the campaign for Hindutva. I'm contesting for Hindutva and against family-centric politics, much to the disappointment of some party workers. Victory is certain for me. A party built on principles is succumbing to family dominance. I'm contesting to uphold those principles and cleanse the party of familial control.
"I offered counsel to Yediyurappa when he formed the KJP party, but he disregarded it. After its failure, he returned to BJP, promising a new Yediyurappa. Is this the 'new' Yediyurappa we were promised? The BJP leaders at the center are blind to the truth. I will contest, regardless of any opposition. My victory will strengthen Modi's leadership.
"Let Raghavendra swear at the temple and declare that his father did not deceive by promising me an election ticket. I am prepared to go to Chandragutti and Ayodhya to do the same," he said.