Bengaluru, (DHNS): BJP state president B?S?Yeddyurappa tried to extend a hand of friendship to his political bete noire and senior leader K?S?Eshwarappa stating that he will personally invite the latter for talks and sort out differences.

“I do not know what is in his (Eshwarappa’s)?mind. I will speak to him. I will also invite him to participate in the state-wide tour I am undertaking from May 18,” Yeddyurappa said in an informal talk with a few reporters in Bengaluru on Thursday.

Lack of unity in the state BJP?came to fore once again on Thursday, this time at the launch of the party’s booklet which highlights the “failures” of the state government during the past four years.

Eshwarappa, who is having an open feud with Yeddyurappa did not attend the event. Eshwarappa was supposed to attend the event in his capacity as Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council. His counterpart in the Legislative Assembly Jagadish Shettar was present.
Eshwarappa has been blaming Yeddyurappa for taking unilateral decisions in the party. Yeddyurappa on the other hand is unhappy that Eshwarappa has been associating himself with Sangolli Rayanna Brigade, a forum of OBCs and Dalits.

On?Eshwarappa’s absence at Thursday’s event, Yeddyurappa said, “He did not attend a similar event last year. If he had come today it would have sent a message to the people that we are all united.” Incidently, the booklet has photos of Yeddyurappa and Shettar on the cover.

Eshwarappa’s photo appears on page 33.Yeddyurappa said that during his 36-day tour, which will cover all the districts of the state, he will speak to the party cadre on selection of candidates for the 2018 Assembly polls. “I will interact with party functionaries from the block to district level. I will collect opinions about sitting MLAs and also on those who lost the Assembly polls in 2013. Conventions will be held at the district level wherein all will be given an opportunity to speak,” he said.

The former chief minister said that after the completion of the tour, Assembly segment-wise surveys will be conducted to assess the winnability of candidates. Giving tickets to candidates for the Assembly polls will be monitored by party national president Amit Shah, he added.