Bengaluru, Jan 18: Senior BJP?leader K?S?Eshwarappa has reiterated that he would hold talks with party president B?S?Yeddyurappa only if he gets an assurance that the appointments of office bearers and other functionaries are reviewed.
In an informal chat with reporters in Bengaluru, Eshwarappa said he is ready for a patch up with Yeddyurappa but at the same time, he is not willing to disassociate himself from the Sangolli Rayanna Brigade.
“There has been no direction from the party central leaders or the RSS?that I should not be associated with the Brigade. They have realised that the party will benefit electorally by the activities of the Brigade. I fail to understand why he (Yeddyurappa) is against it,” Eshwarappa said.
Eshwarappa has been identifying himself with the Brigade, a forum of OBCs and Dalits, for the last six months much to the chagrin of Yeddyurappa. Eshwarappa said the seers of several OBC?and Dalit mutts and their followers, disenchanted with the Congress, had extended their support to the Brigade and at least 20% to 30% of their endorsements could translate into votes - which could prove to be a game changer for the BJP.
Their support had to be sought on a non-political forum as the seers were not willing to participate in events if they are held under the BJP?banner, he pointed out.
He said the appointments made by Yeddyurappa in the party need to be reviewed as several senior and dedicated party workers had been sidelined.
On media reports that Yeddyurappa had softened down and was willing to mend fences with him, Eshwarappa said, “I will be the most happy if that happens,” he said.
Eshwarappa said BJP?national?president Amit Shah had told him recently that he will visit Bengaluru soon to sort out all issues in the state unit of the party. “Shah is likely to visit the state in March after elections in the five poll-bound states,” he said. Eshwarappa said he will abide by the directions of the party central leadership.
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