Daijiworld Media Network - Shivamogga

Shivamogga, Mar 15: "As the voice of aggrieved BJP workers, I will contest as a non-party candidate from Shivamogga Lok Sabha constituency," former DyCM, senior BJP leader K S Eshwarappa announced here on Friday, March 15.

Reacting to denial of ticket to his son K E Kantesh to contest from Haveri Lok Sabha constituency from BJP, Eshwarappa announced his next political move in an important meeting at Banjara Bhavan in Shivamogga city under the slogan "It is not a show of ego, but an act of self-respect."

"It is not an impulsive decision. I had given a letter earlier saying that I would not stand for the election the minute the party heads asked me. However, Hindutva should not be treated unfairly and the party should not be in the hands of a single family. I am not going against Modi. Rama and Modi are in my heart but Yediyurappa only has two children and Shobha Karandlaje in his heart," said Eshwarappa in a scathing attack against the former CM.

"After Yediyurappa lost power, he had promised to give me Haveri ticket to me and help me win, but there was a report that he insisted on giving Bommai the ticket. On the other hand, there was a report on TV that Shobha Karandlaje was insisting on getting Udupi-Chikkamagaluru ticket. You decide whether to listen to Narendra Modi's words about no family politics or not. I cannot oppose Modi even if I lose my life," he added.

"Before Modi became Prime Minister, there was a strange situation in the country. Most of the countries of the world were supporting Pakistan. Now Modi is calling inviting all the country men, including those whose visas are cancelled to come to our country. Muslim countries are also welcoming Modi. Pakistan is now alone," he opined .

"Has Congress culture come to BJP too, he questioned. "There are many aggrieved BJP workers. Modi had called me after I was asked not to contest the election. Karnataka BJP should not be under the control of one family, justice should be given to the fighters of Hindutva, he had told me and had appealed to the supporters that should dedicate their time for him. Compared to the BJP candidates who have secured the LS tickets thius time, my admiration for Modi is way higher," Eshwarappa claimed.

At the end of the speech, he called upon the people to ensure his victory and support Narendra Modi and plaeded with them to come to the aid of aggrieved BJP Hindu workers.

Hundreds of leaders, leaders of various communities and former members of the corporation attended the meeting and extended their support to Eshwarappa.