‘Unfair to say BJP high command was aware of Prajwal Revanna case… Or why would we let him contest?’: Karnataka BJP chief

There is a lot of criticism that the BJP and JD(S) alliance has not worked well in the state? Deve Gowda and BJP leader Sumalatha have also expressed concerns over it.

With regard to BJP and JD(S), the alliance was one of the best decisions taken. It will help both BJP and JD(S). Yes, there were minor issues related to supporting each other’s campaign or otherwise, but overall it has gone well. This alliance has helped us to consolidate BJP and JD(S) votes in many constituencies which is going to help us to win.

Were you aware of the Prajwal Revanna episode? BJP leader from Holenarasipura Devaraje Gowda says he sent you a letter, informing you about it. Will you demand action against Prajwal?

Let me make it clear from BJP’s point of view that nobody can support this case. I am not aware of the letter that Devaraje Gowda claims to have written. I have not received any such letter. I don’t think the BJP national leadership was aware of this development. It is unfair to say that the BJP high command was aware of it. If we were aware, where is the question of allowing him (Prajwal) to contest (as the alliance’s joint candidate from Hassan). JD(S) party has already initiated action by suspending him and he has to face the situation and answer all the questions that have been raised. He can’t escape.

It has been nearly six months since you were appointed the state BJP chief. But the infighting in your party seems to have continued. Your comments?

Do you think there is no fight between (Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress chief) D K Shivakumar and (CM) Siddaramaiah? The only difference is that they have not gone public, but in our party some people have gone out with their statements. It is a common phenomenon and you cannot be a hero to all. However, everything has a limit. Take for instance, K S Eshwarappa, who crossed the line and was expelled from the party for six years. If someone crosses the line, then the party high command will take a call.

What political changes are you expecting after the Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka?

Shivakumar will not let Siddaramaiah continue as the chief minister. It is not just me, Congress leaders are saying this. You will see the fight within the Congress. People are fed up with minority appeasement of Congress. A single rupee has not been released for development. Is (Congress) guarantee the only thing that can solve all the problems?

Your father Yediyurappa was the BJP face in the state, but now it’s said to have become “faceless”. Even in the 2023 Assembly elections, PM Modi and Amit Shah led the party’s campaign. What is your take?

You are thinking much ahead. As a state party president, I have to be a good organiser. I have been focusing on increasing the followers base in the Old Mysuru region where historically we have not performed well. Things will change in the upcoming days. There were a lot of shortcomings in the 2023 Assembly elections which I cannot share in public and we are learning from it.

Why are you not seen in PM Modi’s rallies in the state?

It is wrong information. Even the PM doesn’t want the state party president to leave all the work to join him for the rally. However, I am participating in the PM’s rally now. I have only been in Shivamogga (home district) for two days for campaigning. That aside, I have been travelling across the state.

Some of the state Hindutva faces were denied tickets in this election, for which Eshwarappa blames you. What is your response?

There are several factors that come to play in deciding the tickets. All senior party leaders are consulted for discussion over it. Neither state party president Vijayendra nor BJP Parliamentary Board member Yediyurappa are the decider. The decision is eventually made by the high command and we take it forward from there.

Do you think Eshwarappa contesting as a rebel would hurt the BJP’s prospects in Shivamogga?

The discussion has to be whether Eshwarappa is going to save his deposit or not. Win is a far-fetched thing and people have already forgotten him. It was only because of BJP that he won the elections till now.

How do you react when some BJP leaders call it the “App-Makla” (father-son) party in the state?

I was not made state president for being Yediyurappa’s son. I have worked for the party for more than a decade and have been a good organiser. The high command has noted it and has given me the post. It doesn’t make any sense to call out the party like that.