Disgruntled BJP leader C.H. Vijayshankar, who was rumoured to be knocking on the doors of the Congress, has clarified that he was hopeful of the BJP leadership redressing his grievances soon.
Speculation was rife that Mr. Vijayshankar was planning to quit the BJP over the party leadership sidelining him. The BJP leader’s presence at Devegowdanahundi in Mysuru to pay his last respects to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s elder sister Chikkamma added grist to the rumour mills.
However, Mr. Vijayshankar turned up at the launch of the padayatra organised by the BJP’s Mysuru district unit against the Congress’ “administrative failures” and “anti-farmer policies” here on Sunday morning.
Addressing presspersons, Mr. Vijayshankar, who is a former MP from Mysuru Lok Sabha constituency and a former Minister, recalled the party’s decision to deny him ticket to contest the 2014 Parliamentary polls from Mysuru, which he could have easily won, and instead fielded him from Hassan against his wishes. After losing the elections from Hassan, Mr. Vijayshankar claimed that he had started working in Periyapatna Assembly constituency after informing the then State BJP chief Pralhad Joshi and other party leaders, including B.S. Yeddyurappa.
But, during the last six months, confusion is being created in the party circles over his three years of organisational work in Periyapatna, he said.
“A deliberate attempt is being made to undermine me and trample upon me politically. So, naturally, I am disappointed,” he said. However, he said the party leadership has assured to resolve his grievances in two or three days.
If not, Mr. Vijayshankar said he will discuss the issue with his supporters in Periyapatna and Mysuru before taking a decision on his political future.
Party sources said Mr. Vijayshankar was upset over a section of the party leadership overlooking his claim for BJP ticket from Periyapatna in the coming Assembly election to field a rival contender.
Mr. Vijayshankar also sought to clarify that the photograph of him with Mr. Siddaramaiah — that is doing the rounds on social media — had been taken when the BJP leader had called on the Chief Minister to pay condolences on the death of the latter’s son.
It may be mentioned here that Mr Siddaramaiah has also clarified that the issue of Mr. Vijayshankar joining the Congress had not been brought to his notice. He also said the proposal of Mr. Vijayshankar joining the Congress is not before the party.
