I haven’t cheated Eshwarappa; followed high command’s order: Basavaraj Bommai

Haveri: Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai clarified that he has never cheated former deputy chief Minister K.S.Eshwaeappa and had told the high command to give a ticket to K.E.Kantesh based on social justice. The high command had asked him to contest because of necessity due to which he has agreed to contest.

Talking to reporters here on Friday, the BJP candidate for Gadag-Haveri said he was not aware of the meeting convened by Eshwarappa. The former Dy.CM knew everything including what he said in the parliamentary board meeting.  ” My name was not finalized and I had requested to consider Kantesh for Haveri on the basis of social justice. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP National President J.P.Nadda asked me to contest as there is necessity. So I am contesting “.

 The BJP leader said Eshwarappa has built the party and a loyal soldier also. He, along with Union Minister Pralhad Joshi would talk to him again. The decision was of the high command and he has not cheated Eshwarappa.

Asked whether his son Bharat Bommai would be given to contest in the bye-election to the Shiggaon Assembly constituency in case he got elected to Lok Sabha, Bommai said still there was time as he had to win the election and thereafter the bye-election would be held. However, he would not like to say anything in this juncture. At that time the people’s opinion would be taken. However, he was not aware of Nehru Olekar’s sranfy, he added.

He said nothing can be said now as it would be discussed with local leaders. He got an emotional attachment with this constituency.  All taluks would be developed along with Shiggaon.

On objection to the appointment of the president of the Haveri Rural BJP unit, Bommai said it was true that some Party workers had expressed their dissatisfaction with him. And that would be corrected.