Rebel BJP Leader KS Eshwarappa Claims Amit Shah Declined To Meet Him In Delhi

Former Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister K S Eshwarappa has stirred controversy by alleging that Union Home Minister Amit Shah avoided meeting him because he found it difficult to respond to his questions. Eshwarappa, a senior BJP leader, is contesting as a rebel candidate against BJP’s B Y Raghavendra from the Shivamogga Lok Sabha seat.

Allegations Against Amit Shah:

Eshwarappa revealed that he traveled to Delhi after being summoned by Amit Shah, but their meeting did not materialize. He speculated that Shah might have avoided the meeting because he posed challenging questions that Shah found difficult to address. Eshwarappa emphasized that he went to Delhi as summoned, but the meeting did not occur as anticipated.

Meeting Cancellation and Allegations:

According to Eshwarappa, he reached Shah’s office in Delhi but was instructed not to meet him. Despite feeling disappointed about the canceled meeting, he found solace in the fact that he was spared from potentially being asked to withdraw from the electoral race. Eshwarappa expressed his belief that Shah declined the meeting because he believed his actions were justified and was likely preoccupied with other matters.

Accusations Against Yediyurappa:

Eshwarappa also took the opportunity to criticize the political dynamics within the BJP in Karnataka. He accused Yediyurappa, the former Chief Minister of Karnataka, of fostering a culture of family politics akin to that of the Congress party. This comment reflects Eshwarappa’s discontent with the internal workings of the BJP in Karnataka and suggests underlying tensions within the party.

Personal Grievances and Political Ambitions:

Sources close to Eshwarappa revealed that his decision to contest as an independent candidate in Shivamogga stemmed from personal grievances. Eshwarappa reportedly sought a ticket for his son, K E Kantesh, from the Haveri constituency, but was disappointed when his request was not fulfilled. Feeling aggrieved and blaming Yediyurappa for the outcome, Eshwarappa decided to contest against Yediyurappa’s elder son, Raghavendra, in the upcoming elections.

The allegations made by former Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister K S Eshwarappa against Union Home Minister Amit Shah and his criticism of the BJP’s internal dynamics in Karnataka have added fuel to the ongoing political turmoil within the party. Eshwarappa’s decision to contest as a rebel candidate and his public statements reflect deep-seated discontent and underlying power struggles within the BJP’s state unit. As the elections approach, these internal rifts may have significant implications for the party’s electoral prospects in Karnataka.