BJP tremors: Shah asks Eshwarappa to withdraw, rebel BJP leader says no

Shivamogga: Senior BJP leader K S Eshwarappa on Tuesday said the Union Home Minister Amit Shah called him up and asked him to withdraw his candidature from this Lok Sabha constituency but he stood firm on his decision to contest.

Miffed over his son K E Kanthesh being denied the ticket to contest from Haveri, the former Deputy Chief Minister had announced he would enter the fray in Shivamogga, where the BJP has again fielded B S Yediyurappa's son and MP B Y Raghavendra.

Eshwarappa had alleged that Yediyurappa promised a ticket to his son but betrayed him.

“This morning Amit Shah had called me. He told me that you are such a senior leader and contesting the election, which is surprising. He asked me why I am contesting,” he told reporters here.

“Shah asked me not to contest the election and withdraw the nomination papers. Three months back I had gone to Delhi and I had explained to him (the prevailing situation in the party) but there were no changes in the situation,” the 75-yearold rebel BJP leader explained. (PTI)