<p>Shivamogga, Karnataka: Rebel BJP leader and former Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister K S Eshwarappa on Saturday dismissed reports that he would withdraw his candidature for the <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/lok-sabha-elections-2024">Lok Sabha elections</a>.</p>.<p>Eshwarappa on Friday filed his nomination papers as an independent candidate from Shivamogga Lok Sabha constituency. He will be contesting against BJP’s sitting MP and former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa’s elder son B Y Raghavendra and Congress candidate Geetha Shivarajkumar.</p>.<p>The rebel leader said his aim is to 'strengthen' Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>.Eshwarappa cannot use Modi's pictures: Karnataka LoP Ashoka on rebel leader.<p>"Some people are spreading rumours that I will withdraw my nomination papers. Those who rally behind me, I would like to say, I will never betray and remain in the fray," Eshwarappa said addressing a press conference.</p>.<p>Eshwarappa said he demonstrated on Friday that youth power, women's power and farmers’ power were with him.</p>.<p>The former deputy CM who had served as BJP state president has rebelled against the party after the denial of a ticket to his son K E Kantesh from Haveri Lok Sabha constituency.</p>.<p>He has trained his guns on Yediyurappa and his son Raghavendra and BJP state president and Shikaripura MLA B Y Vijayendra, accusing them of indulging in dynastic politics.</p>.<p>BJP leaders tried to persuade him, but he did not budge.</p>.<p>Stating that PM Modi resides in his heart, Eshwarappa is using Modi's pictures during campaigns and is sporting a saffron scarf.</p>
<p>Shivamogga, Karnataka: Rebel BJP leader and former Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister K S Eshwarappa on Saturday dismissed reports that he would withdraw his candidature for the <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/lok-sabha-elections-2024">Lok Sabha elections</a>.</p>.<p>Eshwarappa on Friday filed his nomination papers as an independent candidate from Shivamogga Lok Sabha constituency. He will be contesting against BJP’s sitting MP and former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa’s elder son B Y Raghavendra and Congress candidate Geetha Shivarajkumar.</p>.<p>The rebel leader said his aim is to 'strengthen' Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>.Eshwarappa cannot use Modi's pictures: Karnataka LoP Ashoka on rebel leader.<p>"Some people are spreading rumours that I will withdraw my nomination papers. Those who rally behind me, I would like to say, I will never betray and remain in the fray," Eshwarappa said addressing a press conference.</p>.<p>Eshwarappa said he demonstrated on Friday that youth power, women's power and farmers’ power were with him.</p>.<p>The former deputy CM who had served as BJP state president has rebelled against the party after the denial of a ticket to his son K E Kantesh from Haveri Lok Sabha constituency.</p>.<p>He has trained his guns on Yediyurappa and his son Raghavendra and BJP state president and Shikaripura MLA B Y Vijayendra, accusing them of indulging in dynastic politics.</p>.<p>BJP leaders tried to persuade him, but he did not budge.</p>.<p>Stating that PM Modi resides in his heart, Eshwarappa is using Modi's pictures during campaigns and is sporting a saffron scarf.</p>