Mysuru: The rising dissent within the BJP ranks came into the open with few leaders demanding ouster of Union Minister Ananth Kumar and RSS leader Santosh, on May 5 holding the duo responsible for cancellation of party ticket to B Y Vijayendra to contest form Varuna Constituency.
The protesters demanded that Ananth Kumar and Santhosh be removed in order to ‘Save BJP’, while threatening that they would not vote for BJP’s official candidate from Varuna Constituency, T Basavaraju.
It may be recalled that Vijayendra’s candidacy was withdrawn at the last moment and this had stirred up violence in Varuna as his supporters ransacked BJP office and went on a spontaneous strike. Police had to resort to lathi charge to disperse the angry crowds and restore normalcy. Incidentally, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s son Dr. Yathindra is contesting from this constituency. Many had hoped to see a battle between the wards of Chief Minister hopefuls of BJP and Congress.
Addressing media at the Press Club here on Saturday, BJP leader Siddalingamurthy said, “Whithin a span of 20 days Vijayendra created good rapport with the people of the constituency. He emerged as a favorite to win the assembly election from Varuna. At the last minute BJP cancelled his ticket to contest from Varuna, and gave it to T Basavaraju, who is an unfamiliar figure in the constituency.”
“We want to see the survey conducted for giving ticket. How could they not give ticket to Vijayendra if they had assessed the survey? The party which boasts of discipline as its motto, showed its lack of discipline on the matter. If the party had given ticket to Vijayendra it would have had good impact in other constituencies as well. It would have helped BS Yeddyurappa too. The decision not to give ticket at the last minute puts doubts about the party discipline. This move has benefited Congress party,” added Siddalingamurthy.
BJP leaders Madappa, Mahesh and Rajendra were also present.
