K.S. Eshwarappa, BJP leader of Opposition in Council, while stating that B.S. Yeddyurappa, State BJP president, was not fully aware of the purpose of launching Sangolli Rayanna Brigade, expressed confidence of convincing him soon.
He admitted that confusion still prevailed within the party over the purpose of brigade. He said Mr. Yeddyurappa, without realising the purpose of its establishment, was instructing party leaders and workers not to associate with it. “Once they understand that the brigade is being established to mobilise Dalits and those belonging to backward classes so as to ensure that BJP wins the next Assembly elections, all confusion will be cleared. In the previous Assembly elections, many BJP candidates lost by a narrow margin," he said. He added that efforts were on to convince Mr. Yeddyurappa by senior party leaders. He also said the proposal to form the brigade was well accepted by the religious heads of various mutts, party legislators and leaders.
Asked about the Reddy brothers, who were conspicuous by their absence, Mr. Eshwarappa said that he would welcome all those keen to join the brigade. “If Reddy brothers and supporters come, we will welcome them."
Earlier, addressing a meeting, he said that the brigade would, after the BJP came to power, work for the welfare of the Dalits and backward classes.
Mr. Eshwarappa challenged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to publish a white paper over the allocation made for the welfare of the dalits and backward classes and also the expenditure. “The BJP, during its one term, had not only allocated adequate funds for the welfare of dalits and backward classes but also had spent a lot. Let Mr. Siddaramaiah come out with facts and figures,” he said.
K. Virupakshappa, former Koppal MP, M.S. Somalingappa, Nemiraj Naik, Chandra Naik, all former legislators, Sangram Singh retired police officer, Mukudappa were among others who spoke.
