BJP revokes Sangamesh Nirani’s expulsion

BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa has revoked the expulsion of Sangamesh Nirani, brother of former minister Murugesh Nirani, from the party.

Sangamesh was expelled from the party for contesting as a rebel against the official candidate of the BJP, Srikanth Kulkarni, in Jamkhandi constituency during the Assembly elections in May this year.

Kulkarni lost against Siddu Nyamagouda of the Congress by a margin of around 3,000 votes. Sangamesh, who contested as an Independent, emerged third securing 24,400 votes.

Bypolls are now being held in Jamkhandi following the demise of Siddu Nyamagouda. The BJP has fielded Kulkarni as its candidate this time too.

The BJP, which is looking at snatching the constituency from the Congress, has revoked Sangamesh’s expulsion in the hope to garner his support and also prevent split of Lingayat votes. A rebellion broke out in the local unit of the party following Kulkarni’s candidature and the BJP is making every effort to quell it.