BJP to use party's state tour to project image of unity

The state BJP, which has been witnessing an open feud between senior leaders B S Yeddyurappa and K S Eshwarappa, is planning to utilise its “Janasamparka Abhiyan” tour to put up a show of unity.

BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa is set to venture on the 36-day Janasamparka Abhiyan (people’s contact programme) from May 18 in a bid to assess the drought situation in the state, understand the mood of voters and also meet party workers across the state.

All top state leaders including Eshwarappa are expected to be present at the launch of the tour, which will start from Tumakuru after Siddaganga Mutt seer Shivakumara Swami’s blessings are sought.  “I will be present at Tumakuru and will also join the tour for a few days. It is the programme of the party and I will be part of it,” Eshwarappa, who is in Vijayapura, told DH over phone.

Yeddyurappa had recently extented a hand of friendship to Eshwarappa stating that he would personally call the latter and speak to him. Eshwarappa has been blaming Yeddyurappa for taking unilateral decisions in the party. Yeddyurappa, on the other hand, is unhappy that Eshwarappa has been associating himself with the Sangolli Rayanna Brigade, a forum of OBCs and Dalits.

According to the itinerary of the tour, one district will be covered per day. Each day will start with a visit to a Dalit colony in the district. The leaders will assess the drought situation or discuss problems in the district between 10 am and 1 pm. A public meeting will be held between 3 pm and 5 pm followed by interaction with workers.