Don't use Rayanna's name for political gains, CM tells Eshwarappa

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday criticised senior BJP leader K S Eshwarappa for using the name of freedom fighter Sangolli Rayanna for political reasons and, said national icons should not be used to promote one’s political prospects.

He was speaking to journalists on his arrival at Sambra Airport here before proceeding to Sangolli village in Bailhongal taluk in the district to participate in Sangolli Rayanna Utsav.

To a query, Siddaramaiah said Rayanna, a soldier in the army of Kittur queen Rani Channamma had fought against the mighty British. Rayanna had terrorised the British empire as he carried out a guerrilla war against the British. He was a peerless freedom fighter and a true patriot. He should not be confined to a particular class or community. Due to a conspiracy, Rayanna was caught and hanged by the British. It is unjust to use Rayanna’s name for political reasons.

Sangolli Rayanna Brigade has no intentions to fight for backward classes as claimed by Eshwarappa. The BJP leader has said in his speeches that he has been organising the Brigade with an intention of making state BJP president B S Yeddyurappa the chief minister.

If Eshwarappa wanted to organise people and strengthen the BJP to make Yeddyurappa the chief minister he could go head without using Rayanna’s name, he stated.