Bengaluru: A section of state BJP leaders is reportedly upset with the “growing interference” of party national organising secretary, B.L.Santhosh in the affairs of the state unit and his “meddling” in the selection of candidates for Bengaluru South and Chikkodi constituencies.
According to sources close to state BJP president, B.S. Yeddyurappa, senior leaders, R. Ashok, V. Somanna and Umesh Katti have complained to him about Mr. Santhosh interfering in the decision making process of the party instead of confining himself to monitoring its organisational affairs. They are said to have taken strong objection to his alleged behind the scenes maneuvering in the selection of party candidates for Bengaluru South and Chikkodi. Mr. Santhosh responded to the criticism by reaching out to the disgruntled leaders and explaining that he had nothing to do with the change of candidates in Chikkodi and Bengaluru South and the decision was taken by Delhi, reveal sources.
Although the senior leaders requested Mr. Yeddyurappa to intervene in the matter, he has decided to remain neutral in the affair as Mr. Santhosh is high up in the party and in charge of South India, they add. Mr Yeddyurappa, who seems to believe that the party’s central leadership and the RSS should look into the matter and not him, has categorically told the disgruntled leaders that he cannot be of any help to them, say sources.
Meanwhile, at the party organisational meeting on Thursday, Mr. Santhosh defended the decision to field young Tejasvi Surya in Bengaluru South, saying the ticket could not be given based on someone’s DNA. As he was clearly hinting at Ms Tejaswini Ananth Kumar , widow of the late Union minister, being denied the ticket, her supporters have not taken kindly to his remark.
Keep yourself updated on Lok Sabha Elections 2019 with our round-the-clock coverage -- breaking news, updates, analyses et all. Happy reading.
