Synopsis
The BJP's leadership has managed to curb dissent from senior leaders in Karnataka who opposed B.Y. Vijayendra, setting the stage for a new state President election. While Vijayendra aims for re-election, rebel factions remain determined to contest the position.Key Takeaways
- BJP manages dissent among Karnataka leaders.
- B.Y. Vijayendra seeks re-election as state President.
- Rebel faction remains committed to contesting.
- High command issues warnings to dissenting leaders.
- Concerns raised over unfair district President elections.
Bengaluru, Feb 21 (NationPress) The BJP's central leadership has successfully managed to rein in senior dissenting figures in Karnataka, who had vocally opposed the state unit President B.Y. Vijayendra, aiming to resolve the party's internal strife. This development paves the way for the appointment of a new state chief.
According to sources, the incumbent state President, Vijayendra, remains optimistic about his chances for re-election. In contrast, the faction of rebels holds aspirations for one of their own to secure the position.
However, under strict directives from the high command, the dissenting leaders, previously vocal in their criticism of both the party and Vijayendra, have toned down their rhetoric.
Prominent BJP figures, including MLAs Basanagouda Patil Yatnal and Ramesh Jarkiholi, ex-MP G.M. Siddeshwara, and former MLAs B.P. Harish and Kumar Bangarappa, along with N.R. Santosh (a relative of former CM B.S. Yediyurappa), have openly questioned Vijayendra's leadership. Yatnal has been particularly aggressive, using derogatory remarks against both Vijayendra and his father, the former CM.
Reports suggest that the BJP's central leadership has issued two formal warnings to MLA Yatnal regarding his conduct.
Vijayendra has noted that he is aware of the inappropriate comments made by Yatnal and plans to address them at the right moment. "Yatnal is a senior leader. I will refrain from responding to his verbal assaults for now," he declared.
Meanwhile, former MLA Kumar Bangarappa emphasized on Saturday that the rebel faction remains committed to contesting the state President's position.
"We have not rescinded our decision. Should an election occur, our candidate will run. The state President will be changed for sure," he asserted.
"We have communicated our concerns to the high command regarding the situation in Karnataka. We are not backing down. The arrival of Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, tasked with overseeing the election for the Karnataka state President, is yet to be scheduled. The election timeline is still pending. The high command has promised to discuss this matter with us. It is clear that a change in the state President in Karnataka is imminent," he emphasized.
"If the party leadership opts for an election, we will participate. MLA Yatnal has responded to the warning. We support him and remain undeterred. We will continue to advocate for our views until the election takes place. The final decision will rest with the high command and the Sangh Parivar," Kumar Bangarappa affirmed.
He clarified that they have not criticized Yediyurappa but expressed grievances regarding the fairness of the district Presidents' elections.
"Only favored candidates are being selected. All former KJP leaders have been appointed as district heads. We will approach the high command once more to relay our concerns," he concluded.
