BJP is with Eshwarappa, he is framed to an extent: Arun Singh
Hospet, Apr 16: BJP national general secretary in-charge of Karnataka Arun Singh on Saturday said the party is with its senior leader K S Eshwarappa, who resigned as minister following allegations of abetting the suicide of a civil contractor, and expressed confidence that he will come clean after inquiry and "will be back".
He also expressed confidence of BJP winning more than 150 seats in Karnataka, during the 2023 assembly polls.
Singh was speaking to reporters here on the sidelines of the two-day BJP state executive meeting here today and tomorrow, which is scheduled to be attended by BJP national president J P Nadda on Sunday.
"Eshwarappa is a very senior leader of the party and he has worked towards the party's position today. We are fully confident that after the complete inquiry, Eshwarappa will be cleared of all charges and will be back," he said, in response to a question on the future role for Eshwarappa in the party.
Singh said to an extent, Eshwarappa is framed as there are various angles to the case, and it is not simple.
"We have to look from all angles. The role of the Congress also needs to be looked into. Congress is a party of conspiracy. Inquiry is going on, let us wait for that. Eshwarappa is our leader...we are all with Eshwarappa, all workers are with him," he added.
Eshwarappa had resigned as Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) on Friday, following allegations of abetting the suicide of a civil contractor.
Santosh Patil, a Belagavi-based contractor, was found dead at a hotel in Udupi on Tuesday, weeks after accusing Eshwarappa, who is also a senior BJP leader, of corruption. In a purported suicide note in the form of a WhatsApp message, Patil had blamed the BJP leader for his death.
Eshwarappa is not attending the BJP state executive meeting in Hospet, citing personal reasons.
Stating that there is already infighting in the Congress between its legislative party leader Siddaramaiah and state president D K Shivakumar for the CM post, Singh said the people of the country and the state have lost faith in the grand old party and despite all efforts will not be able to win.
Congress is a party of "confusion, conspiracy", he said.
The saffron party's national general secretary also praised Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, calling him a "common man and simple man".
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Hockey India announces U18 men's, women's squad for Australia series
Bhopal (PTI): Hockey India on Thursday announced the 24-member Indian U-18 Men's and Women's squads for the upcoming home series against Australia from May 15 to 20.
The four-match series, to be played at SAI Bhopal, is a critical part of the teams' preparations for the Men's and Women's U-18 Asia Cup to be held at Kakamigahara, Japan, from May 29-June 6.
The squad members were selected after a week of rigorous evaluation during the national coaching camp, where the initial group of 42 players was narrowed down based on match fitness and tactical adaptability.
Forward Ketan Kushwaha has been named captain of the Indian U-18 men’s team, while the Indian U-18 women’s side will be led by Sweety Kujur.
"After a productive week in the camp, we have identified the 24 players whom we believe are ready for international exposure. These matches against Australia are not just practice games as they are a vital test of our match temperament and tactical discipline.
“Ketan is a natural leader, and I am keen to see how this group handles the pace and pressure of the Australian style before we head to the U-18 Asia Cup in Japan," said Sardar Singh, coach of men’s side.
“We have pruned the squad to 24 players who have shown the greatest consistency and growth during the camp. Sweety has the experience and vision required to lead this young side effectively.
“Playing four matches against a top-tier side like Australia in Bhopal will give us a clear picture of our strengths and the areas that need adjustment. This series is the ultimate dress rehearsal for the girls before the Asia Cup,” said Rani Rampal, women team’s head coach.
U-18 Men’s Squad
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Goalkeepers: Sawan Kumar, Ayush Rajak, Vishal Bada; Defenders: Ansh Bahutra, Ashish Tani Purti, Arman Soreng, Deepakprakash Toppo, Karan Gautam, Karan Dhanuk; Midfielders: Premchand Soy, Rahul Yadav, Varinder Singh, Romit Pal, Arjandeep Singh, Gursimranpreet Singh, Arshdip Singh, Avi Manikpuri; Forwards: Akash Deep, Ketan Kushwaha (Captain), Shahrukh Ali, Gazee Khan, Prahalad Rajbhar, Siddharth Ben, Jaysan Kandulna
U-18 Women’s Squad
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Goalkeepers: Mahak Parihar, Harry, Khili Kumari; Defenders: Sugan Sanga, Nilam Topno, Rubina Baxla, Kiran Ekka, Divya Yadav, Sulochani; Midfielders: Shruti Kumari, Diya, Harshita, Rashmeen Kaur, Laminganbi Akoijam, Nancy Saroha, Tongbram Lanchenbi Devi, Sneha Davde; Forwards: Nousheen Naz, Sweety Kujur (Captain), Priyanka Minz, Sandeepa Kumari, Nammi Geetashree, Princess Priya Ekka, Pushpa Manjhi.
