PM Modi’s surprise call freshens up BJP leader denied seat in Karnataka polls

Bengaluru: A surprise telephone call by PM Modi has given a necessary boost to a senior BJP leader in Karnataka who was dropped from the list of candidates for the upcoming Assembly polls.

KS Eshwarappa, a five-time lawmaker for Shivamogga in central Karnataka, never expected that PM Modi would personally appreciate his decision to accept the party’s choice of candidate over him.

The senior leader was previously desirous of running for a sixth term but was axed from the list announced earlier this week.

Without causing ruckus, Eshwarappa said on Thursday that he was accepting the party’s decision, adding he was not angry with the BJP.

However, he declared to retire from electoral politics in order to focus on strengthening the BJP.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday thanked Eshwarappa for accepting the party decision and praised his loyalty, NDTV reported.

In a footage the politician was heard saying to PM Modi over phone, ‘It feels great that a leader like you is calling an ordinary worker like me.’

PM Mod promised the leader to meet him during his visit to the state, as well as saying ‘I am very happy with you. So, I decided to talk to you’.

KS Eshwarappa later told reporters that he never expected PM Modi would call him, adding that ‘His gesture is an inspiration’.