Sadananda Gowda told by BJP leadership not to contest LS polls, so he quit electoral politics, says Yediyurappa | Bengaluru News

BENGALURU: Veteran leader and BJP Parliamentary Board member BS Yediyurappa revealed on Thursday that the party leadership has advised former chief minister DV Sadananda Gowda against contesting in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

This counsel led Gowda to announce his withdrawal from electoral politics.

In an unexpected turn of events, Gowda, a former Union minister and current member of the Lok Sabha from Bangalore North, declared on Wednesday that he has opted for retirement from active electoral participation.
“Sadananda Gowda has got instructions from the central leadership (of BJP). He will actively participate in the party activities, but he has decided not to contest in elections,” Yediyurappa, former chief minister, told reporters in response to a question on Gowda’s move.

“He (Gowda) has been told directly not to contest the polls this time. So, he has said that he has got several responsibilities from the party and there have not been any shortcomings from the party’s side and that he will be involved in the party activities,” PTI quoted Yediyurappa as saying on being asked whether Gowda’s decision came following indications that he may not get a ticket this time, or after facing “neglect” from the high command, he said,
Back in June, Gowda had urged the party’s leadership to address speculations circulating in certain circles suggesting that 13 sitting BJP MPs, including himself, might not receive party tickets for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections scheduled for next year.
His frustration was evident as he highlighted the perceived inaction of the party on this matter.
His recent attempts to call out the party included criticizing the lack of consultation with state leaders before forming an alliance with the JD(S).

Additionally, he expressed discontent over the prolonged delay in appointing a leader of the opposition in the Karnataka assembly.
It’s worth noting that Gowda had resigned from the Union Council of Ministers in July 2021.
In addition to serving as the chemicals and fertilisers minister in the Narendra Modi government, Gowda has held key portfolios including railways, law, and statistics and programme implementation.
Emphasizing his commitment to stepping away from electoral politics, Gowda reiterated in the district headquarters town of Mandya on Thursday that the party has entrusted him with various responsibilities over the past 30 years, nurturing him.
Now, he feels it is his responsibility to pave the way for younger members entering the party.
“I was national General Secretary and Vice President of the party, I was state president and played a role in bringing the party to power. For seven years in the Modi government at the centre… I was Chief Minister, Leader of Opposition (in Council), Deputy Leader of Opposition (in Assembly). The party has given me everything,” he pointed out.
Stating that he had decided to retire from electoral politics earlier, after completing 25 years in it, but on the instruction of the party had contested the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Gowda said he is announcing retirement six months in advance so that party can find a new face and prepare him or her for next election.
“I’m ready to serve the party in any way I’m asked to,” he added.
With agency inputs