The BJP’s leadership in Delhi has been forced to intervene in the internal feud in the party’s Karnataka chapter, between former Chief Minister Yeddyurappa and Leader of Opposition in the Vidhana Parishad Eshwarappa.
Party national president Amit Shah has called for a meeting with the two leaders in New Delhi on Friday. The meeting comes after several BJP MLCs wrote to Amit Shah, asking him to initiate action against Eshwarappa for “carrying out anti-party activities.”
A copy of the letter, which was obtained by Virendra Uppunda of Suvarna News, claims that Eshwarappa has “damaged the credibility of the party.”
The letter was signed by BJP leader Lehar Singh Siroya, one of BS Yeddyurappa’s close aides, and senior leaders Ramachandra Gowda and BJ Puttaswamy, among others.
The letter accuses Eshwarappa of “attacking BJP state President, BS Yeddyurappa” and sending “wrong signals to party workers and people.”
“Congress and JDS have been taking advantage of the BJP’s discomfiture due to Eshwarappa’s utterings. People who are disillusioned with the Congress and are looking up on BJP as a viable alternative, are now worried, sad and pained by the happenings in the party. We are of the sincere view that if Eshwarappa and his activities and statements are not checked, this would severely damage the electoral prospects of the party,” the letter reads.
It accuses Eshwarappa of forming the Sangolli Rayanna Brigade with “nefarious and malicious intent” and termed the opposition leader’s statements as “explosive.”
“Eshwarappa claims that he has the blessings and support of the party’s central leadership and will continue the activities of the Brigade. It is our earnest request that the central leadership should not recognise or extend support to the Sangolli Rayanna Brigade. We reiterate that the Brigade is formed to defeat the BJP in the elections and also demanding 41 seats for the Brigade’s candidates,” the letter states.
The Rayanna Brigade’s President, K Virupakshappa said that the letter would not harm the Brigade. “The statements made in the letter are mere allegations. What will be determined at the meeting is whether these allegations are true,” he said.
The meeting, which will be held at 7pm, will also have BJP MP of Bengaluru South, Ananth Kumar, RSS cadre and BJP National General Secretary, Ramlal.