BJP files complaint against KS Eshwarappa
To make sure Eshwarappa doesn’t utilise PM Narendra Modi’s picture for his election campaign, the BJP has written to the EC.
In order to prevent former Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and party leader KS Eshwarappa from using Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s photo for his election campaign, the Bharatiya Janata Party has written to the Election Commission.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has lodged a formal complaint against Karnataka Minister KS Eshwarappa for allegedly using photographs of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his election campaign. The move comes amid growing tensions within the party over the use of the Prime Minister’s images for political purposes without prior approval.
According to reports, Eshwarappa, who currently serves as the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister in the Karnataka government, had reportedly used images of PM Modi on his campaign posters and banners ahead of the state’s upcoming assembly elections. The BJP leadership has taken a dim view of this unauthorized use of the Prime Minister’s photographs and has initiated disciplinary action against Eshwarappa.
The complaint filed by the BJP accuses Eshwarappa of violating party guidelines and misusing the Prime Minister’s images for personal gain. It alleges that Eshwarappa’s actions amount to a breach of party discipline and could potentially damage the BJP’s reputation ahead of the crucial state elections.
The incident has once again brought to the fore the issue of unauthorized use of leaders’ images for political purposes within the BJP. Prime Minister Modi’s photographs are considered a potent symbol of the party’s leadership and are often used extensively during election campaigns to garner support from voters. However, the party has strict guidelines in place regarding the use of the Prime Minister’s images, and any deviation from these guidelines is met with swift action.
The BJP’s decision to file a complaint against Eshwarappa underscores its commitment to upholding party discipline and ensuring compliance with established norms and protocols. It sends a clear message to party members that unauthorized use of the Prime Minister’s images will not be tolerated and could result in disciplinary action.
Eshwarappa’s alleged use of PM Modi’s photographs without permission has also sparked debate within the party about the limits of personal ambition and loyalty to the party leadership. Some party members have criticized Eshwarappa for prioritizing his own political interests over the party’s welfare, while others have come to his defense, arguing that he may have acted out of ignorance rather than malice.
The incident has come at a sensitive time for the BJP, which is gearing up for crucial assembly elections in Karnataka and several other states. The party is keen to present a united front and project a strong image of leadership under Prime Minister Modi’s stewardship. Any internal discord or controversy has the potential to undermine the party’s electoral prospects and weaken its position in key battleground states.
In light of the complaint filed against Eshwarappa, the BJP leadership is expected to take appropriate action to address the issue and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. This may include disciplinary measures against Eshwarappa and reminding party members of the importance of adhering to party guidelines and protocols.
“Eshwarappa is misleading the public in an attempt to squander BJP votes. BY Raghavendra is the candidate that the BJP has put forth for Shivamogga. Therefore, by utilising pictures of Narendra Modi to solicit votes from the general public, Eshwarappa is misleading the public, which could affect the outcome of the election. It is an infraction as a result,” it said.
According to the letter, Eshwarappa has been running his campaign with the Prime Minister’s picture.
“During his tenure as this nation’s prime minister, Narendra Modi has elevated the perception of our nation to unprecedented levels. Narendra Modi has emerged as a global figurehead. Modiji has a great deal of popularity. when elections are held. The success that Modi has brought about is a windfall for the BJP; but, the BJP or its alliance partners alone should receive credit for this, not its competitors. Consequently, the only people authorised to utilise pictures or photographs of Narendra Modi are the BJP and its candidates,” it continued.
As a result, Eshwarappa’s actions are deceptive and are against the modal code of behaviour. It further stated, “He has no authority to use the name and image of BJP leaders in his benefit.
The BJP also asked that Eshwarappa be subject to harsh punishment and warned not to use PM Modi’s name or image.
“Hence, we request you to take stringent action against KS Eshwarappa and warn him not to utilise the image and name of Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders and not to mislead the general public and oblige,” they said.
Shivamogga’s independent candidate is Eshwarappa. He is going up against the son of former chief minister BS Yediyurappa, BY Raghvendra.
Karnataka will hold two rounds of voting on April 26 and May 7 for Lok Sabha seats covering 28 constituencies. On May 7, Shivamogga will have elections.
Overall, the incident highlights the challenges faced by political parties in maintaining internal discipline and unity, particularly during election season. It serves as a reminder of the need for all party members to uphold the values and principles of the organization and work towards the common goal of achieving electoral success.
