From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Dec 16: Even as BJP national president Amit Shah has reportedly asked senior BJP leader in Karnataka K S Eshwarappa to desist from creating any rift in the State unit through his SangolliRayanna Brigade ahead of the next assembly elections in 2018 and work for the success of B S Yeddyurappa, the former Deputy Chief Minister has claimed that his Brigade would only strengthen the party.
It may be recalled that Eshwarappa was reportedly advised by Shah when the former met him in New Delhi three days back to work for the success of Yeddyurappa, who has vehemently opposed the brigade.
Eshwarappa, a backward Kuruba leader, has promoted the Sangolli Rayanna Brigade to foster unity among backward classes and Dalits.
Eshwarappa is firm on attending the Sangolli Rayanna Brigade rallies in Hubballi-Dharwad, Bagalkote and Vijayapura on December 18 and 19.
The unity of Dalits and backward classes is very much necessary and their support will only help the BJP, claimed Eshwarappa.
Eshwarappa has decided to attend SRB meetings in North Karnataka, organized to mobilize people for the mega event of the brigade at Kudalasangama on January 26.
He is committed to continuing the brigade as a non-political forum.
Eshwarappa has given a comprehensive picture about organizational activities of the party after Yeddyurappa was appointed State BJP chief to Amit Shah.
It is learnt that Eshwarappa has also complained about Yeddyurappa unilaterally appointing party district presidents and state office bearers.
Due to these appointments, the party cadre has been left disappointed and there is unrest among them in the districts, he complained.
As Yeddyurappa is a leader of the politically dominant Lingayat community and is tipped to become the next Chief Minister if BJP is returned to power in the 2018 assembly polls, Eshwarappa is believed to be jockeying for a key position in the government by virtue of his position as a Kuruba leader heading the Sangolli Rayanna Brigade.
However, it is common knowledge that both Yeddyurappa and Eshwarappa, who are from the Shivamogga district, do not have warm relations and the latter is apprehensive that he might be sidelined.