BJP veteran leader and former Deputy Chief Minister K.S. Eshwarappa on Tuesday announced retirement from electoral politics, just ahead of the release of the first list of candidates by the saffron party.
Mr. Eshwarappa, who represents Shivamogga in Karnataka Assembly, has written to BJP national president J.P. Nadda in which he has requested not to consider him for candidature from any constituency.
In the two-para letter, Mr. Eshwarappa has expressed his gratitude to all the party seniors for providing him various positions right from the booth level to that of Deputy Chief Minister in his political career spanning over 40 years.
Sons of Shivamogga
Speculation is rife that the 74-year-old Mr. Eshwarappa may have retired to enable his son Kanthesh to get ticket. It may be noted that earlier, veteran leader B.S. Yediyurappa, who too hails from Shivamogga district, announced retirement from electoral politics to make way for his son B.Y. Vijayendra.
He is the third BJP MLA to announce retirement. Kundapur MLA Halady Srinivas Shetty too announced retirement from electoral politics a few days ago.
It is being said that Mr. Eshwarappa was in a dilemma about continuing in electoral politics after he had to step down as Minister following the suspicious death of a contractor who had accused him of demanding commission to clear his bills. Sources close to him say that he was hurt that he was not taken back into the ministry despite the probe giving a clean chit.
Ayanur factor
Recently, BJP MLC Ayanur Manjunath had raised a banner of revolt against him by announcing his decision to quit as MLC in a bid to contest against Mr. Eshwarappa if he is given ticket to contest.
Mr. Eshwarappa, who is from the stables of the Sangh Parivar, has been the BJP’s OBC face. He has contributed to the strengthening of the party organisation in the State and worked as its State president. He has also handled prominent portfolios including Power, Major Irrigation, Rural Development & Panchayat Raj.
Meanwhile, addressing a hurriedly called press conference at his residence in Shivamogga, Mr. Eshwarappa expressed concern that the BJP had not been able to get a full majority on its own so far in the State. He said he had decided against contesting the polls so that he could focus on strengthening the party organisation and bringing it to power with a full majority.
Asked if his son Mr. Kanthesh would contest from Shivamogga seat, Mr. Eshwarappa said the party would take the final call. “We will stand by the party’s decision and work for the candidate chosen by the party,” he said.
As the news of his decision to retire from electoral politics spread, many BJP workers and supporters rushed to his house in Shivamogga. A few raised slogans opposing his decision and wanted him to continue.
Since 1989
Mr. Eshwarappa started his career as MLA in 1989 from Shivamogga. He entered the Assembly, defeating Congress leader K.H. Srinivas. Since then, he has won the seat five times. He lost twice in 1999 and 2013.
Hailing the decision of Mr. Eshwarappa, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said, “This shows the BJP’s culture of making way for youngsters after reaching a position of seniority. But look at the Congress. It has fielded 92-year-old Shamanuru Shivashankarappa.”
