Daijiworld Media Network - Tumakuru (SP)

Tumakuru, Jan 19: Incensed over obstacles being created against 'Sangolli Rayanna Brigade' conceptualized by him to crystallize votes of backward communities for the BJP, former deputy chief minister and leader of the opposition in the state legislative council, K S Eshwarappa, reminded the former chief minister and state BJP president, B S Yeddyurappa, that loyalty to the party is of paramount importance. "No one votes for BJP because of individuals like me and Yeddyurappa. Their vote is for the party. Yeddyurappa should realize this fact," he taunted.

Speaking to media persons at the residence of party leader, Sogadu Shivanna in the town where many disgruntled BJP activists and leaders had gathered, Eshwarappa felt that Yeddyurappa can emerge as true and undisputed leader if he stops paying heed to the advice of a few selfish leaders. He also predicted bleak future for the BJP in the state if Yeddyurappa remains stubborn on this issue. "Yeddyurappa has not mended his past ways of taking decisions by holding a meeting of a handful persons who are close to him, and believing that their decision is final. When he deserted BJP and founded KJP, he could not do anything significant. Frustrated, he came back to BJP and no one opposed his return. After being made state president of the party, he has resorted to his old habit of taking one-sided decisions without discussing with party leaders and workers," he decried.

Eshwarappa said that he does not have any information about the proposed meeting of disgruntled people convened by Yedddyurappa on January 19. He reiterated that 24 party leaders from the party had written a letter to Yeddyurappa about wrong decisions taken by him and there has been no response. As he does not have information about the proposed meeting, there is no question of attending it, he quipped.

"I never indulged in anti-party activities and I always have worked for the progress of the party. I have not done anything that makes me to hang my head in shame. The party has reciprocated my gesture and allowed me to grow, and given me power. So, I can never think of betraying the party," he stated. At the same time, he hastened to add that he and his followers are not against Yeddyurappa, and have wholeheartedly accepted him as the state president of the party and next chief ministerial candidate. At the same time, he said that it is impossible to bear with the sidelining of sincere workers of the party who have given their blood and sweat for the party.

When approached, Yeddyurappa refused to react to Eshwarappa's outbursts. He said that all contentious issued would be discussed in party forums. He reminded them that a meeting has been convened in the city on Thursday for thrashing out all differences. About the fistfight between his and Eshwarappa's followers at Shivamogga, he felt that this incident should not have happened. He said that a few have expressed their dissatisfaction over certain issues, and they will be discussed at the meeting being held at 3 pm on Thursday.

When his reaction was sought for the contentious Yettinahole project, he asked the government to obtain a detailed scientific study report on the project before going ahead with it.