My victory in LS polls would make sure Vijayendra resigns as BJP's state president: Eshwarappa
Former Deputy Chief Minister KS Eshwarappa, who recently declared his candidacy as an Independent for the Shimoga Lok Sabha constituency, asserted that his triumph in the upcoming elections would prompt the resignation of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State President, BY Vijayendra.
Eshwarappa, aiming to defeat BJP candidate BY Raghavendra, emphasized that his victory would signify Vijayendra's departure from his party leadership role.
Eshwarappa's decision to contest independently stems from the denial of the BJP ticket to his son KE Kanthesh for the Haveri constituency. Expressing dissatisfaction with party veteran BS Yediyurappa's leadership, whom he accuses of reneging on promises regarding Kanthesh's candidacy, Eshwarappa remains steadfast in his resolve to contest independently.
Addressing reporters and supporters at his residence in Shivamogga on Wednesday, Eshwarappa reiterated his determination to defeat Raghavendra. He confidently predicted that his electoral success would precipitate Vijayendra's resignation from the BJP state presidency.
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While acknowledging assurances from the BJP High Command regarding potential positions for himself and his son, Eshwarappa emphasized his sole concern for the party's welfare. Asserting his desire to see the BJP liberated from the influence of the Yediyurappa family, he clarified his reluctance to pursue high-ranking positions.
Discussing support garnered from various quarters within the Shimoga constituency, Eshwarappa highlighted endorsements from unexpected sources, including the pontiff of the Sigandhur Chowdeshwari Temple. Bolstered by these assurances, he expressed confidence in his electoral prospects and envisioned a comprehensive victory for the BJP across Karnataka.
Encouraging his supporters to rally behind him, citing his alignment with BJP ideology, Eshwarappa pledged to reunite with the party following a successful campaign against the Yediyurappa family.
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Real Madrid fines Valverde and Tchouaméni half a million euros each for altercation
Barcelona (AP): Real Madrid slapped players Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni with half-a-million-euro ($588,000) fines on Friday for their altercation during practice.
The massive fines came a day after the midfielders tussled when the team trained. Valverde said in a post on social media on Thursday that no punches were thrown. But Valverde knocked his head on a table and he suffered a small cut that required a brief hospital visit.
On social media, Valverde initially called it a “meaningless fight” with a teammate and said “everything has been blown out of proportion."
His employers, however, considered it a significant enough breach of team discipline to nail both Valverde and Tchouaméni with fines that bite even the bank account of a top soccer player. The half-a-million euro penalties reflect the reputational damage the club was enduring in a chaotic end to a disappointing season.
In a statement, the 15-time European champion said its disciplinary action was concluded after both players expressed to the club “their complete remorse for what happened and apologized to one another.”
Madrid added they also apologized to their teammates, the coaching staff and club supporters, as well as showing their willingness to accept whatever disciplinary action the club deemed “opportune.”
Tchouaméni was back training with Madrid on Friday, two days before they play at Barcelona in a clasico. Madrid has to win otherwise Barcelona will be crowned La Liga champion.
After being notified of the fine, he posted a public apology to the club and its fans on social media.
“What happened this week in training is unacceptable,” Tchouaméni wrote. "I say this while thinking about the example we are expected to set for young people, whether in football or at school.
“Above all, I am sorry for the image we projected of the club.”
Valverde was not at practice due to the head knock.
Both players are set to play in the World Cup next month, with Tchouaméni playing for France and Valverde for Uruguay.
Chaotic end to a poor season
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The run-in between the players, who for seasons have played side by side in Madrid's midfield, came after they argued this week in previous training sessions. But tempers boiled over on Thursday. Spanish media was rife with reports that the players previously disagreed over the club's decision to let coach Xabi Alonso go after just months on the job.
It was not the only altercation involving Madrid players during training this week. Álvaro Carreras confirmed he was in a “minor” incident with a teammate. Spanish media said he and fellow defender Antonio Rüdiger got into a scuffle.
Álvaro Arbeloa, the coach who was promoted from Madrid's reserve team when Alonso was fired in January, will face tough questions on what went wrong inside the changing room when he gives a press conference on Saturday ahead of the clasico at Camp Nou.
Madrid is facing a second consecutive campaign without a major trophy amid rumors in the Spanish media that club president Florentino Pérez is considering bringing back Jose Mourinho to straighten out his underperforming team.
