Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru May 28: Veteran BJP leader and former minister K S Eshwarappa said, "The state BJP politics needs to be purified. The party has to be freed from dynastic politics. I am disappointed that the BJP is following the Congress' culture of dynastic politics."
Addressing the media on Tuesday, May 28, Eshwarappa said, "I have come to Udupi to campaign in favour of the south-west graduates and teachers’ constituency candidate Raghupati Bhat. I am deeply hurt to see the BJP following the Congress' culture of dynastic politics. Both father and son duo are making decisions and ruling the party. Every party worker, irrespective of caste, has worked for the upliftment of the party and has been involved in every struggle."
"BJP has put Hindutva aside and is engaging in caste politics, which is the reason behind BJP losing 60 seats in the last election. Those who are close to B S Yediyurappa are being considered for the ticket, while the rest are being neglected despite working relentlessly for the party.
"There is a need to purify state BJP politics, to make BJP free from dynastic politics. Raghupati Bhat and I have been hurt by dynasty politics. They have betrayed Raghupati Bhat by denying him the MLC ticket at the last moment and giving it to someone who was once anti-Hindu and recently joined the BJP.
"I am confident that Raghupati Bhat will emerge victorious as we are gaining tremendous support beyond expectations. People have noticed the injustice done to both myself and Raghupati Bhat, with Hindutva being neglected. The BJP is now in the hands of selfish leaders, and there is a need for its purification to restore it to its former state," he added.
"I disagree with being labelled a rebel candidate, as I am an independent candidate and there will be no question of quitting the party," said Eshwarappa.
When asked about the Prajwal Revanna case, KS Eshwarappa said, "This is a shameful issue for the entire nation and an insult to women. I demand a CBI probe into the case instead of an SIT. Voters are educated and aware of the roles of BJP, JD(S), Kumaraswamy, and DK Shivakumar."
On restarting the Rayanna brigade, Eshwarappa said, "After the election results, I will discuss and make a decision about restarting the Rayanna brigade."
He also said, "I have seen a video of people offering namaz on the road in the city. I demand the immediate arrest of those who offered namaz on the road and the filing of an anti-national case. Not all Muslims are anti-nationals, but due to the actions of some, the entire Muslim community is blamed, and good Muslim people are being affected by this."