Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Dec 5: In addition to veiled warnings given to the leader of the opposition in legislative council, K S Eshwarappa, BJP has issued another stern warning to the leader against forming or running organizations or programmes which function parrallel to Other Backward Classes Morcha of the party. Muralidhar Rao, who is in-charge of BJP affairs in Karnataka, gave this warning to Rayanna Brigade of which Eshwarappa happens to be a part, adding that if these instructions are violated, the leaders involved will face strong action from the party.

Rao, addressing a press conference along with Yeddyurappa at the party's office at Malleshwaram here, pointed out that a Morcha for other backward classes is already functional as a wing of the party and that any and every programme meant for the welfare of these classes have to be undertaken under this Morcha. Therefore, BJP leaders have no authority to set up or run programmes for backward classes under the banner of any other parrellel entities, he asserted.

K S Eshwarappa

State BJP president, B S Yeddyurappa, also issued a warning to the concerned that those leaders who indulge in activities other than the ones that are approved by the party will face action from the national leadership of the party.

When the attention of Rao was drawn to the fact that Eshwarappa would be a participating in the programme being organized at Nandgad near Belagavi for backward classes, he said that being a senior leader of the party, Eshwarappa is aware of the limits and scope of this rights and responsibilities. "He is a part of the Other Backcward Classes Morcha of the party too. Therefore, I have full faith in him and other leaders," he added. In reply to a question, he said action would be taken at an appropriate time if the party leaders violate these instructions.

Rao pointed out that the state unit of BJP had recently organized a historic convention of backward classes in the city in which national president of the party, Amit Shah, had participated. "Shah had conveyed clear message to party activists that freeing Karnataka of Congress party is the sole goal of BJP and that no other activities that might hinder this goal would be tolerated."

Dharwad: 'Rayanna Brigade apolitical, does not need party nod' - Eshwarappa

Daijiworld Media Network - Dharwad (SP)

Dharwad, Dec 5: "Sangolli Rayanna Brigade has nothing to do with BJP. It does not need any approval from BJP. So there is no question of me withdrawing from participating in the convention of backward classes being held under this banner," stated leader of the opposition in the state legislative council, K S Eshwarappa.

Speaking to media persons at Hubballi on Sunday, he said that no central leaders have spoken to him about the Brigade and that he is prepared to offer explanation if questioned. As this convention is apolitical and secular in nature, it does not need party's permission, and there is no case for the party to initiate action against me, he felt. About statements coming against Rayanna Brigade, he said he has already convinced BJP leaders about its relevance and that he will try once again to convince Yeddyurappa about his points.

He said that no political leaders have been invited for the Rayanna Brigade's convention at Nandgad in Belagavi district and that anyone can participate in it irrespective of their political and organizational affiliation. He added that he will not go back from this convention at any cost.