BALLARI, 29 JUNE

Expelled BJP leader KS Eshwarappa has signalled a potential return to the party, asserting that "the BJP was his life." He stated there was no chance of him aligning with any other political organisation. Eshwarappa was expelled from the BJP for six years last year due to violations of party discipline, notably for contesting the Lok Sabha polls as an independent candidate against the party's official nominee from Shivamogga.

Eshwarappa has expressed intentions to meet with senior BJP leaders, indicating that some within the party may be receptive to his re-entry. He had previously accused Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra and his father, veteran leader BS Yediyurappa, of denying his son a candidacy for Haveri, which has further complicated his relationship with the party.

"I don’t know the details. I only heard through TV reports that BJP workers from the Kuruba community held a meeting demanding my return," Eshwarappa commented. He added, "Where will I go if I leave the BJP? My life is at this party."

Despite receiving overtures from the Congress government, including offers for suitable positions from ministers, Eshwarappa reiterated his devotion to Hindutva and the BJP. However, BJP National General Secretary Radha Mohan Das Agarwal has stated that there are currently no plans to re-induct expelled leaders, emphasising that the party has no room for “disobedient and undisciplined” politicians.