In the midst of intense race for the reign in Karnataka between the ruling BJP and its rival Congress, a veteran BJP leader has come out publicly to divulge that the saffron party doesn't need the votes from the Muslim community and rained praise for senior BJP leader B S Yediyurappa, stating that the latter is a model leader for Hindus. 

Veteran BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, K S Eshwarappa on Monday said that the BJP doesn't need Muslim votes in Shivamogga in the upcoming Karnataka assembly polls, which will be held on May 10. Eshwarappa has been on the limelight in recent days after announcing that he would step down from electoral politics and now, he has drawn a sharp attention after divulging that the party is not seeking Muslims to vote for it. 

Eshwarappa went on to say that the Muslim people, who are nationalists, would themselves vote for BJP. Eshwarappa is representing the Shivamogga constituency in the Karnataka Assembly and addressing a gathering of Veerashaiva near B S Yediyurappa's residence at Vinoba Nagar in Shivamogga, Eshwarappa said, "Let us interact with people of all castes and enquire about the benefits they enjoyed during the BJP rule." 

He further said, "Every community has benefitted. There are around 60,000 Muslims in the city. We don't want their votes. Of course, there are Muslims, who received our help individually whenever they were in need and who would vote for us. Nationalist Muslims will definitely vote for the BJP." "Under BJP rule, Hindus were safe. Nobody dared attacking Hindus. There is a feeling among the public that they would not be as secure if any non-BJP government came to power", Eshwarappa added. 

Eshwarappa has also complimented Yediyurappa and said, "Yediruppa is a model leader for Hindus, including Lingayats. He is a true Hindu and party candidate Channabasappa is a leader who can build the Hindu community in the city." By accusing the Opposition of dividing the country, Eshwarappa said, "We don't allow making Hindus inferior and Muslims superior. But, some nationalist Muslims will definitely vote for the BJP. Let those anti-nationals who identify themselves with Congress continue to do so. All have failed in dividing Hindus in the name of caste." 

Eshwarappa was asked by the BJP high command to quit from the electoral politics. While he announced that he would exit the electoral politics with the expectation that the party would award his Shivamogga seat to his son KE Kantesh, the party had announced that Eshwarappa's loyalist Channabasappa would be the candidate for Shivamogga seat. When he was upset over the party's decision, Eshwarappa received a surprise call from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

Modi called the Karnataka BJP leader on April 21 and speaking to the reporters after a call from the Prime Minister, Eshwarappa said he sent his resignation letter in ten minutes after the party's leadership instructed him to quit from the electoral politics. He said that during the call, Modi expressed his admiration for his loyalty to the party and that the party will always stand with him.