Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Nov 18: In the bypoll being held for 15 constituencies, the ruling BJP has been struggling with revolt from leaders who are angry at the fact that disqualified legislators are being fielded by the party. Although the last date for filing of nominations is today, chaos is reigning supreme in the BJP camp. The rebellion has been very strong in constituencies like Hospet, Ranebennur, and Gokak.

In Hoskote constituency, as Sharath Bache Gowda, son of MP B N Bache Gowda, refused to budge from his stand contest against BJP's official candidate, chief minister B S Yediyurappa, has already announced that Sharath is being expelled from the party.

B S Yediyurappa

In Hospet (Vijayapura) constituency, Kaviraj Urs, who is agitated at the party's decision to field Anand Singh, has announced his decision to fight as an independent. It is learnt that even Anand's sister, Rani Samyukta, has raised flag of revolt against the party leadership.

The party workers are angry at the party's decision to field Arun Kumar from Ranebennur constituency. Some supporters of Basavaraj Kelagar met the chief minister on Sunday and told him that Arun Kumar has been facing several criminal and cheating cases. They said that as such, Congress candidate K B Koliwad, has bright chances. They requested Yediyurappa to issue ticket to Basavaraj Kelagar instead.

Although the chief minister tried to convince them to work for the victory of Arun Kumar, they openly said they would not work for Arun Kumar and raised slogans hailing Basavaraj, in front of Yediyurappa's residence.

In Gokak, BJP leaders Suresh Angadi and party candidate from Gokak, Ramesh Jarkihioli, tried to convince BJP rebel Ashok Poojari, not to create problems. It is said that JD(S) is planning to field Ashok Poojari from this constituency. In Athani, BJP workers are angry at the fact that the party has decided to field disqualified MLA Mahesh Kumatalli, instead of deputy chief minister Laxman Savadi. Even after Savadi himself made efforts to assuage the feelings of his supporters, they did not relent, it is gathered.