<p>Almost a week after Tejaswini Ananth Kumar was denied the Bangalore South ticket, there is a steady stream of supporters visiting her residence. Visitors include heads of prominent right-wing organisations and party MLAs who were loyal to her husband, the late Ananth Kumar.</p>.<p>Her supporters are yet to come to terms with the decision, blaming party leadership for the same.</p>.<p><em><span class="italic">DH</span>’s</em> <strong>Akram Mohammed</strong> spoke to <strong>Tejaswini</strong> about the developments. Excerpts</p>.<p class="Question"><strong>Several BJP leaders close to you and your husband late Ananth Kumar, have sought clarification as to why you were not picked. Have you also asked the party leadership?</strong></p>.<p>Why should I ask for any clarification? It is the high command’s decision and they might have had some reason (to not choose me). I haven’t demanded any explanation. Some people have been questioning about it and we’ll get an answer.</p>.<p class="Question"><strong>Will you campaign in this election?</strong></p>.<p>I’m a member of BJP. I’ve campaigned for all the elections in the past (for Ananth Kumar). I’ve also campaigned for V Somanna, along with his wife Shailaja and also independently. Similarly, I’ve campaigned after the demise of Jayanagar MLA Vijayakumar for his brother Prahlad Babu. For<br />this election, too, I will campaign seeking the re-election of Modi.</p>.<p class="Question"><strong>Will your campaign with the same intensity?</strong></p>.<p>(Smiles) I have campaigned widely in the past, as you know.</p>.<p class="Question"><strong>You started the campaign and also inaugurated the party office. Now, it appears that there was some miscommunication regarding your candidature.</strong></p>.<p>You should ask these questions to our party leaders. The office that was inaugurated was that of Bangalore South BJP office and not my campaign office.</p>.<p class="Question"><strong>Your March 29 tweet is being interpreted as an indirect dig at some leaders of BJP and the RSS.</strong></p>.<p>No, I only pointed out that people should not be selfish. I have always maintained that nation comes first and we should not be motivated by our selfish interests.</p>.<p class="Question"><strong>Was the tweet directed at someone?</strong></p>.<p>Tweets are generally aimed at everyone. Today, we’re in a bit of a confusion. My tweet was meant to remove any doubts people who follow me may have and urge them to work for the country.</p>.<p class="Question"><strong>Is there still confusion in the party?</strong></p>.<p>Definitely. No, no. I mean, such confusion should not prevail. It’s your job to find out whether there is confusion or not. I’ve not stepped out of the house since the candidate was announced.</p>
<p>Almost a week after Tejaswini Ananth Kumar was denied the Bangalore South ticket, there is a steady stream of supporters visiting her residence. Visitors include heads of prominent right-wing organisations and party MLAs who were loyal to her husband, the late Ananth Kumar.</p>.<p>Her supporters are yet to come to terms with the decision, blaming party leadership for the same.</p>.<p><em><span class="italic">DH</span>’s</em> <strong>Akram Mohammed</strong> spoke to <strong>Tejaswini</strong> about the developments. Excerpts</p>.<p class="Question"><strong>Several BJP leaders close to you and your husband late Ananth Kumar, have sought clarification as to why you were not picked. Have you also asked the party leadership?</strong></p>.<p>Why should I ask for any clarification? It is the high command’s decision and they might have had some reason (to not choose me). I haven’t demanded any explanation. Some people have been questioning about it and we’ll get an answer.</p>.<p class="Question"><strong>Will you campaign in this election?</strong></p>.<p>I’m a member of BJP. I’ve campaigned for all the elections in the past (for Ananth Kumar). I’ve also campaigned for V Somanna, along with his wife Shailaja and also independently. Similarly, I’ve campaigned after the demise of Jayanagar MLA Vijayakumar for his brother Prahlad Babu. For<br />this election, too, I will campaign seeking the re-election of Modi.</p>.<p class="Question"><strong>Will your campaign with the same intensity?</strong></p>.<p>(Smiles) I have campaigned widely in the past, as you know.</p>.<p class="Question"><strong>You started the campaign and also inaugurated the party office. Now, it appears that there was some miscommunication regarding your candidature.</strong></p>.<p>You should ask these questions to our party leaders. The office that was inaugurated was that of Bangalore South BJP office and not my campaign office.</p>.<p class="Question"><strong>Your March 29 tweet is being interpreted as an indirect dig at some leaders of BJP and the RSS.</strong></p>.<p>No, I only pointed out that people should not be selfish. I have always maintained that nation comes first and we should not be motivated by our selfish interests.</p>.<p class="Question"><strong>Was the tweet directed at someone?</strong></p>.<p>Tweets are generally aimed at everyone. Today, we’re in a bit of a confusion. My tweet was meant to remove any doubts people who follow me may have and urge them to work for the country.</p>.<p class="Question"><strong>Is there still confusion in the party?</strong></p>.<p>Definitely. No, no. I mean, such confusion should not prevail. It’s your job to find out whether there is confusion or not. I’ve not stepped out of the house since the candidate was announced.</p>