Bengaluru, (DHNS) Senior leader K S Eshwarappa staying away from the BJP state executive committee meeting in Bengaluru on Sunday was viewed with concern by party functionaries as the party is keen on putting up an united face in the run-up to the Assembly polls.

Eshwarappa has openly criticised the style of functioning of BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa, blaming him for taking unilateral decisions and denting the morale of party workers. However, there was a perception in the party that recent intervention by BJP national president Amit Shah had resulted in a patch-up between the duo.

Leaders attending the executive committee meeting felt that Eshwarappa should have attended the crucial meeting, cancelling any other prior commitments.

For his part, speaking to reporters in Shivamogga, Eshwarappa said his family conducts a pooja during the second week of Shravana month every year. “I was attending the pooja. I have already informed all leaders about the reasons for my absence,” he said.

BJP general secretary Shobha Karandlaje said several leaders could not make it to the meet due to prior engagements. “The meeting was scheduled to be held during August end or September. We advanced it on short notice so that preparations for Amit Shah’s three-day visit to the state from August 12 could be discussed at the executive meeting,” she said.