The BJP on Monday expelled rebel leader for his decision to contest the Lok Sabha elections as an independent candidate from Karnataka’s Shivamogga seat.
The former deputy chief minister’s decision to contest the Lok Sabha elections as an Independent came as a bold move after being denied a ticket by the BJP. Despite being a stalwart within the party for years, Eshwarappa chose to defy the party line, sparking a contentious battle for both power and principles.
Dynastic Politics and Allegations
At the heart of Eshwarappa’s rebellion lies his vehement opposition to what he terms as ‘pariwarvaad’ or dynastic politics. In his campaign, he vocally criticized the prevalence of family-centric politics not only in the opposition parties but also within the BJP itself. His allegations against prominent BJP leader BS Yediyurappa, accusing him of promoting dynastic ambitions to benefit his sons, added fuel to the fire.
Eshwarappa was unhappy over his son being denied a Lok Sabha ticket from Haveri seat in the southern state. He has blamed Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra and his father and veteran party leader BS Yediyurappa for his son KE Kantesh being denied the ticket.
“What disciplinary action he (Vijayendra) will take, when I’m contesting as an independent? Contesting as an independent means, I have come out of the party. As the BJP state President he doesn’t even know what contesting as an independent means,” Eshwarappa had said.
Is it a Quest for Justice ?
Eshwarappa’s grievances extend beyond mere political ambitions; they delve into issues of fairness and justice within the party hierarchy. His comparison of treatment with another BJP leader, Jagdish Shettar, highlighted his sense of injustice and discrimination. The demand for accountability from the BJP high command underscores his determination to challenge the status quo and seek redress for perceived slights.
The Amit Shah Intervention
The involvement of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in attempting to dissuade Eshwarappa from contesting the elections added a new dimension to the saga. Despite Shah’s entreaties to withdraw his candidature, Eshwarappa remained resolute, signaling a defiance that reverberated within political circles.
The Fallout and Expulsion
In the wake of Eshwarappa’s refusal to heed the party’s directives, the BJP took the decisive step of expelling him for six years. This move, while ostensibly aimed at maintaining party discipline, serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of defying the established order within political ranks.
Implications for Karnataka Politics
The repercussions of Eshwarappa’s expulsion are likely to reverberate across Karnataka’s political landscape. The rift within the BJP, exacerbated by internal dissent and factionalism, could potentially weaken the party’s stronghold in the state. Furthermore, Eshwarappa’s emergence as a rebel figure may galvanize support from disillusioned party members and voters disillusioned with traditional political practices.
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The Road Ahead For KS Eshwarappa
As Eshwarappa embarks on his journey as an Independent candidate, the path ahead remains fraught with challenges and uncertainties. His decision to chart his course outside the confines of party allegiance signifies a departure from conventional politics and a willingness to challenge entrenched power structures.
The expulsion of KS Eshwarappa from the BJP marks a significant chapter in Karnataka’s political narrative, punctuated by themes of rebellion, ambition, and ideological discord. Whether his defiance will herald a new era of political consciousness or fade into the annals of political history remains to be seen.
Yet, one thing is certain: the echoes of his rebellion will resonate far beyond the confines of Shivamogga, shaping the contours of Karnataka’s political future.
He has, however, stressed that he is not against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Ahead of the Assembly polls last year, opting out of the contest, he had asked the party’s central leadership that he wished to retire from electoral politics and request.
