Karnataka: Expelled From BJP For Independent Shivamogga Candidacy, Eshwarappa Seeks Court Approval To Use Modi's Image In Campaign

The Karnataka unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) expelled former deputy chief minister K S Eshwarappa from the party on Monday (22 April), for a period of six years.

This action follows Eshwarappa's decision to file his nomination as an Independent candidate for the Shivamogga Lok Sabha constituency, directly challenging the official BJP nominee, B Y Raghavendra.

Raghavendra is the current Member of Parliament from Shivamogga and the son of former chief Minister B S Yediyurappa and brother of state BJP chief B Y Vijayendra.

The party's state disciplinary committee chief President Lingaraja Patil, issued a letter to Eshwarappa stating that his independent candidacy has embarrassed the party and violated its disciplinary code.

The letter confirmed his immediate suspension from all party duties and responsibilities.

“Ignoring the orders of the party, you are contesting as a rebel candidate from Shivamogga Lok Sabha constituency. This has caused embarrassment to the party and has violated the disciplinary code. Starting from now, you have been vacated from all responsibilities and have been suspended from the party for six years," Patil said, Indian Express reported.

The BJP has also lodged a complaint with the Election Commission over Eshwarappa's use of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's image in his campaign.

However, Eshwarappa also said that he has filed a caveat in a local court stating that he should not be stopped from using PM Modi’s photo during electioneering as “Modi is our leader”.

Despite efforts to resolve tensions, the party has reportedly struggled to reconcile with Eshwarappa, who has had longstanding disputes with the Yediyurappa family, particularly after his son Kantesh was denied a party ticket.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah had attempted to mediate by summoning Eshwarappa to Delhi, but their meeting did not take place.

Eshwarappa has interpreted this as an endorsement of his campaign against Raghavendra.

The election for the Shivamogga constituency is scheduled for 7 May, as part of the third phase of the Lok Sabha polls.

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