BJP State president B.S. Yeddyurappa and the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council K.S. Eshwarappa, who were in loggerheads in the past over the appointment made for key posts in the party and over the activities of the Sangolli Rayanna Brigade, displayed warmth and bonhomie during the programmes held in their home turf on Sunday as part of Jana Samparka Abhiyan, an initiative launched by the party to study the problems faced by the people in drought-affected areas.
The duo relished breakfast together at the residence of Srinivas from the Dalit community in Sirigere village near here. Speaking at a public convention held as part of the abhiyan in the village, Mr. Eshwarappa called upon party activists to strengthen the hands of Mr. Yeddyurappa. Both the leaders were also seen engrossed in an intimate conversation on the dais when Govind Karjol, MLA for Mudhol, was addressing the gathering.
Both Mr. Yeddyurappa and Mr. Eshwarappa together visited Maleshankara temple near Sirigere and interacted with farmers in Kommanalu village. It may be mentioned here that after Mr. Eshwarappa participated in the convention of the brigade held in Nandgad in Belagavi district in December 2016, both the leaders had not shared dais in the district. Mr. Yeddyurappa said that the Congress has treated the Dalits as a mere vote bank and has done precious little for their welfare.
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He said that the Congress had hatched a political conspiracy to avoid B.R. Ambedkar, who had dedicated his life for the upliftment of the Dalits, from entering the Lok Sabha in the first General Elections.
Mr. Yeddyurappa said that he will begin a month-long tour in July to visit each of the 224 Assembly constituencies to create awareness among people on the achievements of the NDA government at the Centre and on the failures of the Congress government in the State. He said that the practice of having breakfast at the house of Dalit activists of the party would continue even during the July tour.