There’s no more dissent in the party: Eshwarappa

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The central Karnataka district of Shimoga could not have wished for anything better with former CM B.S. Yeddyurappa continuing to call the shots in the government and his close associate, K.S. Eshwarappa, becoming number two in the Jagadish Shettar cabinet. The BJP is hoping the elevation of Mr Eshwarappa—a Kuruba— and Vokkaliga strongman R. Ashok as Deputy CMs, will get the two powerful communities on their side not to mention the Lingayats, with Mr Shettar in the top post.

Back in the cabinet after a three year break when he had to take over as BJP state president and handle revolt after revolt by dissidents, Mr Eshwarappa is obviously a relieved man and is waiting for someone to take over as party chief when his term ends in December. He has the task of handling two crucial portfolios— revenue and rural development and panchayat raj—and also make sure Mr Shettar lasts ten months. In an interview with Deccan Chronicle, Mr Eshwarappa spoke about various issues and justified the need for two DCMs.

Why do you think the BJP had to induct a new chief minister?
The idea of changing the chief minister and having a full-fledged cabinet, is to expedite pending works. We have only 10 months left of our term and have to live up to people‘s expectations. We cannot afford to do anything else. Our central leaders felt this would be the best option for the state.

Was there a need to create two DCM posts?
Yes. The high command wanted to bring all groups in the party together. We also had to complete pending work and so the central leaders agreed to this model. The chief minister and his two deputies can accelerate the pace of developmental work.

The impression given by the party is that two DCM posts were created to strike a balance among various castes. But how will it help the state?
I disagree. This arrangement is not to appease any community. The party high command felt the new model would help the BJP government implement developmental works. In a span of eight to ten months, we have to implement the budget. The new administrative structure will surely help us.

Even after a new chief minister, two deputy chief ministers and a full-fledged cabinet were installed, the unrest in the party continues unabated. Does this not prove that the BJP is divided?

Please do not interpret things in this manner. We are united. Dissent in the party is no longer strong with the majority of legislators not favouring it. I admit we could not accommodate everyone in the cabinet. One or two MLAs might have got upset. But, I am confident we will be able to pacify them.

You said DCM posts were created for the sake of development. Then, why did you fight for the finance portfolio?
No, this is absolutely wrong. I made it clear when Siddaramaiah (Congress leader) raised this issue on the floor of the House. I never fought for any portfolio. I am capable of handling any job given by the party.

There is an impression that Mr Eshwarappa joined the cabinet to enjoy power because he knows he has failed to galvanise the party enough to make sure it returns to power. Comment.
Those who make such statements are not in a proper state of mind. We have won so many by-elections. We made deep inroads in panchayat raj institutions and urban local bodies as well. We held convention of several morchas of our party. I worked to strengthen these frontal organizations which are no longer outfits existing for namesake. Thousands of people joined our party during this period. This is not a small achievement. The organization has grown manifold during my tenure.

Do you think that by becoming DCM, you can score over former chief B.S. Yeddyurappa in Shimoga?
I am happy that I have become Dy CM but that does not mean I can gain an upper hand over BSY. His contribution to the development of Shimoga is unforgettable. With his vision, Shimoga district and the city have been transformed like never before.

You had earlier said the assembly elections may be held in December. Now that you have joined the government, are you ready to go to polls in six months or in April-May next year?
Considering the political turmoil, I had said Assembly elections could be held in December. But after the formation of a new ministry led by Jagadish Shettar, the chances of early elections are ruled out.

But there is a demand for reshuffle of portfolios. Even some senior leaders favour this idea.
If the party agrees to this, I will not oppose it. If it can help strengthen the government, there is nothing wrong in it.

Coming to your department, several panchayat development officers have committed suicide because of harassment by panchayat leaders. How are you going to stop this?
I have just taken over the department. I am aware of this and believe me, I will come out with a solution very soon.

An educational institution run by you has refused to implement the Right to Education in toto. Why?
No. It is wrong. We will adhere to the law of the land. Whatever decision the state government takes, has to be respected by all.