The Karnataka unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expelled rebel leader KS Eshwarappa from the party for six years. The decision came after Eshwarappa filed his nomination as an Independent candidate from the Shivamogga Lok Sabha seat, defying the party’s instructions.
Eshwarappa’s expulsion from the party is a significant development in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections. Eshwarappa, a veteran BJP leader, is a former minister and was considered a close associate of former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa. However, relations between Eshwarappa and the BJP leadership soured in recent months, after the party denied a ticket to his son in the Haveri Seat.
Following his expulsion from the BJP, Eshwarappa has vowed to fight against the party and its candidate in Shivamogga, Raghavendra, the son of former CM BS Yediyurappa. Eshwarappa has alleged that he was betrayed by the BJP leadership and that he is fighting to free the party from the clutches of the Yediyurappa family.
The BJP’s decision to expel Eshwarappa is likely to have a significant impact on the party’s prospects in the Shivamogga Lok Sabha seat. Eshwarappa is a popular leader in the region and his expulsion is likely to alienate a significant number of voters. The BJP will now have to work hard to win back the support of Eshwarappa’s supporters and ensure that Raghavendra retains the Shivamogga seat for the party.
