“Former Karnataka Deputy CM Eshwarappa Defies BJP, to Contest Against Yediyurappa’s Son Despite Amit Shah’s Intervention”

In Short

• KS Eshwarappa adamant on contesting Shivamogga seat
• Eshwarappa to contest against BS Yediyurappa’s son
• Eshwarappa has blamed Yediyurappa for BJP denying ticket to his son

Despite a discussion with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, former Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka KS Eshwarappa remains resolute in his decision to contest the Shivamogga Lok Sabha seat as an independent candidate against BS Yediyurappa’s son BY Raghvendra.

Eshwarappa’s dissatisfaction stems from the BJP’s refusal to field his son KE Kantesh from the Haveri seat, opting instead for former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai.

Yediyurappa and his son BY Raghavendra have held the Shivamogga constituency since 2009. In addition to Eshwarappa, Raghvendra faces competition from Geetha Shivarajkumar of the Congress.

Eshwarappa, a five-time winner from the Shivamogga constituency belonging to the Kuruba caste, had previously announced his retirement from electoral politics. However, he reversed his decision following the denial of a ticket to his son.

Amid discontent within the BJP in various constituencies, infighting has erupted in places like Belgaum following the nomination of candidates. Karnataka will vote in two phases in the Lok Sabha elections on April 26 and May 7 for 28 constituencies.