BJP’s Bangalore South candidate, Tejasvi Surya, has claimed that all is well within his party. But his partymen continue to nurse a grudge against him.
On Sunday, there was no sign of Surya during a campaign programme organised by MLA Satish Reddy in Bommanahalli Assembly segment that he represents.
The only prominent leader present in the programme was BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa.
Seeking support for Surya’s candidature, Yeddyurappa told the gathering that the 28-year-old was earnest and dedicated.
“Vote for Modi’s lotus symbol and ensure Surya’s victory. He is honest and has concern for the people. He is standing in place of Ananth Kumar. If you vote for him, he will win by a bigger margin than Ananth Kumar,” he said, referring to the late union minister, who represented Bangalore South for six consecutive times.
Noting Surya’s absence during the programme, Yeddyurappa said that the ultimate candidate was Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Our candidate is Modi, Modi, Modi. If you vote for Modi, it is like voting for Yeddyurappa. If you cast votes for Yeddyurappa, it is like voting for Surya,” he added.
Reminiscing about Kumar, Reddy said that the leaders were still pained by his loss. He also admitted that there were differences ever since Surya’s name was announced.
Later speaking to reporters, Reddy said that Surya couldn’t make it to the event as he was campaigning in Jayanagar.
Batting for Tejaswini Ananth Kumar, who was denied the ticket, he said the party should not sideline her and she should be accommodated appropriately at the Centre.
Meanwhile Surya made attempts to pacify Govindaraj Nagar MLA V Somanna. On Sunday, Surya met Somanna. Somanna is said to have agreed to campaign for Surya, following the meeting.