Not pained by BJP decision not to field me: Vijayendra

B.Y. Vijayendra, son of BJP State president B.S. Yeddyurappa who was denied ticket from Varuna constituency and had became incommunicado after the political storm hit the party, said on Tuesday that he was not pained about being out of the poll fray and “happily accepted” the Central leadership’s decision.

“I bow to the decision and [will] work for the victory of the party’s candidate. I will remain in Varuna and work on strengthening the party,” he said.

In a hurried press conference here, Mr. Vijayendra, who appeared in front of the media for the first time after the high drama on Monday, said the decision of top leaders has to be accepted, not questioned.

Dismissing suggestions that he was made a scapegoat in the episode, he said he was one of the 15 ticket aspirants from Varuna. “Moreover, I had not declared myself the party candidate,” he maintained.

On the ruckus created by party workers after he was denied ticket, Mr. Vijayendra said they were probably hurt by the decision as they had been campaigning for him for days. “They expressed their anger and disappointment, but they have to accept the decision. I will comfort and pacify them to resume campaigning,” he added.

Asked whether the constituency had lost its high-profile status in the poll battle, he said the party was still in the reckoning though he was out of the race. He expressed confidence that the BJP would win in Varuna.