BJP rebel K.S. Eshwarappa says ‘Modi is in my heart. How can he be removed from my heart?’

A person dressed to resemble PM Narendra Modi accompanies BJP leader K.S. Eshwarappa during campaigning in Shivamogga on April 12, 2024. | Photo Credit: special arrangement

Former deputy CM K.S. Eshwarappa, who is contesting as an independent candidate in the Shivamogga Lok Sabha seat, has countered the demand of the BJP t0 remove Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s photo from his campaign material.

“No matter whatever the outcome in court on using Modi’s photo in my campaign, Modi is in my heart. How can anybody remove it?” he told mediapersons in Shivamogga on April 17.

Shivamogga unit of the BJP has moved the district court, objecting to Mr. Eshwarappa using Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s photo in his campaign in Shivamogga. The matter is scheduled to come up for hearing on April 18.

Reacting to BJP national general secretary Radha Mohan Das’s statement that he did not know who K.S. Eshwarappa is, Mr. Eshwarappa asked why he visited his house if he did not know him.

Mr. Eshwarappa opined that the symbols suggested by the Election Commission for independent candidates are not good. “I have not decided the symbol. There is no meaning to some of the symbols meant for independent candidates. I will write to the Election Commission on this,” he said.