Bengaluru: Is this a precursor to peace in the state BJP? Senior BJP leader, K.S.Eshwarappa, who has been leading the disgruntled elements in the party, has given in to state BJP chief, B.S. Yeddyurappa’s overtures and has agreed to participate in the month long state tour of drought-hit districts starting Friday from Tumakuru.
Mr. Eshwarappa had earlier refused to be part of the tour and had set off on his own in Vijayapura, Raichuru and Koppal districts between May 15 and 17 to assess the drought for himself. But now he has changed his mind and agreed to attend the inaugural function of the state tour in Tumakuru, according to sources close to him.
The move is being seen as a positive sign by party insiders as it could help open channels for peace talks between the warring factions. In yet another indication that Mr. Eshwarappa could be softening his stand on the Lingayat strongman he recently declared that he and Mr Yeddyurappa were like “one soul and two bodies” and no one could separate them. Also daring the Congress to declare its Chief Ministerial candidate for the 2018 poll, he is said to have openly endorsed Mr Yeddyurappa’s leadership to lead the party in the elections .
According to sources his change of heart has been prompted by the party central leadership making it clear that it expected him to work with the state president and restrain his Sangolli Rayanna Brigade.
The month long tour will see BJP leaders interact with party workers on implementation of Central schemes in rural Karnataka and take their inputs on preparation for the coming state elections, sources reveal.
