Karnataka BJP Rebel Eshwarappa To Contest As Independent, Challenge Yediyurappa's Son On Ex-CM's Turf

Eshwarappa expressed confidence that Shah must have discussed his candidacy with other leaders and concluded that his cause is legitimate.

After being unable to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Wednesday, Karnataka's former Deputy Chief Minister and senior BJP leader KS Eshwarappa has opted to run as an Independent candidate for the Shivamogga Lok Sabha seat. Eshwarappa confirmed his decision upon returning to Bengaluru on Thursday.

While speaking to reporters at Bengaluru International Airport, he said, “I have Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lord Ram in my heart.”

Eshwarappa revealed that he traveled to New Delhi for a meeting called by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. However, as he was unable to meet Shah, Eshwarappa reportedly interpreted this as a sign to proceed with his decision to contest as an Independent candidate for the upcoming elections.

“Not able to go against the senior leader, I had gone to New Delhi to meet HM Amit Shah. Otherwise, it would have been arrogance on my part. The trip to New Delhi showed that god is with me. HM Amit Shah did not meet me. His office told me he is unavailable. I assume that it is an indication from his side for me to go ahead with my decision to contest as an Independent candidate,” Eshwarappa said, as per a report on IANS.

Eshwarappa asserted that if Amit Shah had requested him to withdraw his candidacy as an independent, he would have been compelled to withdraw from the contest. He expressed confidence that Shah must have discussed his candidacy with other leaders and concluded that his cause is legitimate. Eshwarappa affirmed his decision to contest independently, predicting victory in Shivamogga constituency despite BJP's dominance elsewhere. He emphasized his support for Prime Minister Modi and pledged to dedicate his victory to him after winning in Shivamogga.