Shivamogga: Former deputy chief minister and Rashtrabhakthara Balaga leader KS Eshwarappa announced on Wednesday that he would write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the central government to deny permission for the proposed Sharavati pumped storage project.
Speaking to reporters, Eshwarappa noted that the Sharavati project was among 18 demands submitted to the PM by Chief Minister DK Shivakumar during a recent meeting. He added that a formal delegation would also meet the PM to register their protest.
Eshwarappa cited environmental department reports indicating the project would require a massive quantity of explosives and the felling of approximately 16,000 trees. He emphasized that deforestation is a primary driver of recent drought conditions in the state, making the destruction of forests for the project completely unjustifiable.
Echoing these concerns, Eshwarappa’s son and former ZP member KE Kantesh announced a massive protest on June 28 at Gandhi Circle in Sagar, where environmental activists and protesters plan to travel to the Karnataka Power Corporation office in Kargal to submit an official memorandum demanding withdrawal of the project.
Meanwhile, Eshwarappa criticized recent remarks by Home Minister Priyank Kharge regarding the financial accounts of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and challenged the government to take legal action rather than resorting to what he termed malicious propaganda. He condemned Priyank’s objections to the Z-plus security cover provided to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, stating that security clearances are strictly the domain of the central government and should not be politicized.
KSE open to rejoining BJP
Eshwarappa indicated on Wednesday that he is open to rejoining the BJP. Reflecting on his political future, he acknowledged that while his exit from the BJP over family politics was well known, his heart remains with the party. Expressing concern over the party’s consecutive electoral setbacks in Karnataka, he warned that the party would suffer further if the current trajectory continues, adding he would consult senior party functionaries before making a final decision on his re-entry.
