Finalising candidates without consulting leaders irks workers

District BJP unit president flayed

The rebel fever has been increasing day by day in the Kodagu BJP unit ahead of the Assembly polls.

BJP Yuva Morcha unit General Secretary Deen Bopanna has expressed displeasure over the unilateral decision of the party high command to field Minister Appachu Ranjan from Madikeri.

BJP leaders have not consulted district BJP leaders before finalising the name, he alleged.

Speaking to presspersons on Friday, he said normally the candidate’s name would be announced after collecting opinions of the district leaders and party workers.
This time four leaders have finalised the name of a leader for the Somwarpet constituency.

There were several aspirants for the Madikeri Assembly constituency as well.
“We are against finalising the name without consulting all those who have been working for the welfare of the party for several years. I was also an aspirant to Madikeri constituency. I had spoken to former CM D V Sadananda Gowda and Deputy Chief Minister K S Eshwarappa and had expressed my desire. If the BJP High Command fails to respond to my wish, then I will contest in the election as a rebel candidate,” he said.

Dist chief flayed

Coming down heavily on the district BJP unit President B D Manjunath, he said that the president is not restricted to a few individuals. He should render his duty properly by realising his responsibility. “He should not perform his duty to please a few leaders.”

The district president has failed to take the BJP workers into confidence. It is not fair on his part to finalise the list by taking a few of his friends to Bangalore.

Bopanna said that there is groupism within the BJP in the district.

“We had a dream to contest from Madikeri constituency. Accordingly, we have placed our demand before the High Command. We will abide by the decision of the High Command.”

District Mahila Morcha Vice President Reeta Muthanna and others were present.