Former Deputy Chief Minister K.S. Eshwarappa, who has decided to contest as an independent candidate in Shivamogga Lok Sabha seat in Karnataka, has said that he will not change his decision even if Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits his home to convince him.
Interacting with his supporters at his residence in Shivamogga on March 21, Mr. Eshwarappa said he had made up his mind to contest and would not back off. “Some of you may have doubts about what would happen if Narendra Modi came to my house. Many have not come to my meetings because they have doubts. They are thinking that I might change my mind if some senior leaders speak to me, or leaders from the Sangha approach me. Let me make it clear, I will not let down my supporters who have stood by me. I will contest 100%,” he said.
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He reiterated that his fight is against dynastic politics in the BJP. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been fighting against the dynasty politics of the Congress. “But here, the BJP is going the Congress way. The party is in the stranglehold of one family,” he said.
Later, speaking to mediapersons, Mr. Eshwarappa said he is confident of securing the highest number of votes in Shivamogga, Shivamogga Rural and Shikaripur Assembly constituencies. “In the Assembly elections, even after spending crores of rupees, the BJP candidate in Shikaripur could win with a margin of only 11,000 votes,” he said.
Mr. Eshwarappa said he would open his election office at his residence on March 28.
