Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Apr 22: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken strict action against former Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and ex-state unit President, K S Eshwarappa, expelling him from the party for six years.

The decision comes in response to Eshwarappa's defiant move to contest the Lok Sabha elections independently from the Shivamogga seat in Karnataka. This decision was seen as a direct violation of the party's principles and protocols.

In a formal statement issued by the BJP, it was stated, "K S Eshwarappa has been suspended for six years due to his decision to contest the Lok Sabha elections as an Independent, which has brought disrepute to the party."

Eshwarappa's rebellion against the BJP became apparent in recent days when he publicly announced his departure from the party and expressed his readiness to face any disciplinary repercussions.

The rift between Eshwarappa and the BJP stemmed from his dissatisfaction with the denial of a Lok Sabha ticket to his son, K E Kantesh, from the Haveri constituency in Karnataka. He squarely blamed Karnataka BJP President B Y Vijayendra and veteran party leader B S Yediyurappa for this decision.

In response to the disciplinary action taken against him, Eshwarappa remained defiant, stating, "I am contesting independently, which means I am no longer with the party. As the BJP state President, Vijayendra seems unaware of the implications of my decision."

"I am undeterred by any threats of disciplinary action. My objective aligns with that of PM Narendra Modi, who fights against the dynastic politics of the Congress. Similarly, my efforts are directed towards liberating the party from the influence of familial politics," he added, emphasizing his stance.