Bengaluru: Former deputy chief minister K. S. Eshwarappa trying to rejoin BJP?

Bengaluru: Efforts are reportedly underway behind the scenes for the return of former Deputy Chief Minister K. S.  Eshwarappa, who has been expelled from the BJP, into the party fold.  However, national leaders reportedly not yet approved the request.

Following the Lok Sabha election results, a faction within the BJP, through leaders of the Sangh Parivar, has begun pushing for Eshwarappa’s return. Eshwarappa himself has reportedly expressed his desire to rejoin the party to senior leaders, and if they approve, his re-entry is expected to happen soon.

However, strong opposition from B. S. Yediyurappa’s faction suggests that the issue might not be resolved smoothly.

Eshwarappa had violated party discipline by contesting as an independent candidate in the Lok Sabha elections. His unilateral verbal attacks against Yediyurappa and his family provided significant advantages to the ruling Congress party.

Yediyurappa’s faction has reportedly stated that Eshwarappa should not be re-inducted into the party under any circumstances. Senior leaders within the Sangh Parivar, who support Yediyurappa, share this view, believing that Eshwarappa’s independent candidacy was driven by personal motives.

B L Santosh dissatisfied?

Despite the arguments, the final decision rests with National President J. P. Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Speculations within BJP circles suggested that National General Secretary (Organisation) B. L. Santosh might support Eshwarappa.

However, during a recent campaign for the graduate constituency elections in Udupi, Santosh expressed dissatisfaction with both Eshwarappa and Raghupathi Bhat in his speech. Consequently, it is believed that Santosh is unlikely to propose Eshwarappa’s re-entry to the national leaders.

Eshwarappa reportedly clarified his stance by stating that he had only spoken against Yediyurappa and that his son Kantesh had not spoken anywhere. He mentioned that he had no personal grudge against Yediyurappa.