In a recent development, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission regarding KS Eshwarappa's misuse of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's photo during his election campaign. Eshwarappa, a former Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, who is now contesting as an Independent from Shivamogga, was denied a ticket by the BJP for the Lok Sabha polls.
The BJP expressed shock and surprise at Eshwarappa's actions, stating that he has been misleading the public by suggesting that he is contesting on behalf of Narendra Modi and the BJP. The party clarified that Eshwarappa's portrayal of being a part of the BJP is incorrect.
Despite being an Independent candidate, Eshwarappa has been using Prime Minister Modi's photo in his campaign. He even claimed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah called him to ask him to withdraw his candidature, but he decided to continue contesting.
In anticipation of potential actions from the BJP, Eshwarappa filed a caveat in the Karnataka High Court regarding his use of PM Modi's picture for campaigning.
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Eshwarappa is up against BY Raghavendra, son of former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, who, along with his son, has won the Shivamogga constituency since 2009. Additionally, Eshwarappa will face Geetha Shivarajkumar of the Congress in this Lok Sabha election.
The BJP has raised concerns about Eshwarappa's misleading campaign tactics, especially his use of PM Modi's photo, despite running as an Independent candidate. This situation highlights the ongoing dynamics within Karnataka's political landscape as the Lok Sabha elections progress.
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