Synopsis
The Karnataka BJP is experiencing significant internal conflict, with Vijayendra's leadership being challenged by a rebel faction. As they lobby for change in New Delhi, Vijayendra's supporters plan a large convention on February 12 to showcase their loyalty and strength.Key Takeaways
- BJP infighting in Karnataka continues to escalate.
- Vijayendra’s leadership is under attack from a rebel faction.
- Supporters plan a major convention on February 12.
- Rebels are aligning with influential leaders in New Delhi.
- Accusations of betrayal and corruption are surfacing.
Bengaluru, Feb 5 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP faction is currently facing internal strife, as a dissident group is challenging the authority of B.Y. Vijayendra, the son of former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa. This rebel group has stationed themselves in New Delhi, actively campaigning for his ousting. In contrast, Vijayendra’s allies have declared a large gathering to showcase their support.
A number of BJP MLAs and former ministers, such as Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, Ramesh Jarkiholi, G.M. Siddeshwara, Kumar Bangarappa, Arvind Limbavali, Anna Saheb Jolle, Srimanth Patil, and B.P. Harish, have openly criticized Vijayendra’s leadership.
While speaking in New Delhi, former Union Minister of State Siddeshwara suggested that a leadership overhaul is on the horizon. “Our national leaders will deliver good news shortly,” he remarked.
The dissenters have also conferred with former CM and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai, consulting senior figures, particularly from the powerful Lingayat and Veerashaiva communities.
Insider reports indicate that a gathering of Lingayat leaders is scheduled to occur at the residence of Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, V. Somanna, in New Delhi soon. Once neutral, Somanna is now siding with the rebels, with his relationship with Yediyurappa deteriorating after the former CM allegedly facilitated his setback against Siddaramaiah in the last assembly elections.
The rebels intend to inform the BJP high command that Vijayendra is not the unquestionable leader of the Lingayat community and that alternative candidates should be considered. They have suggested former minister B. Sriramulu, a significant figure from the marginalized classes, as a potential replacement for the state BJP president’s role.
In retaliation, Vijayendra’s faction held a meeting in Bengaluru at the residence of former minister Katta Subramanya Naidu to strategize against the rebellion. Former minister M.P. Renukacharya announced plans for a grand convention on February 12 to garner support for Vijayendra.
Post-event, party leaders will head to New Delhi to persuade the BJP high command to maintain his position as state president.
Taking aim at rebel leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, Renukacharya accused him of betraying Yediyurappa, who had previously provided him with political opportunities. “You claim to speak against corruption, yet you were once a tipper driver and conductor. How did you come to acquire a sugar factory valued in the hundreds of crores?” he challenged.
Furthermore, he alleged that Yatnal is acting under the influence of Karnataka’s Minister for Large and Medium Industries, M.B. Patil, to undermine the BJP. He contended that Yatnal, despite hailing from Babaleshwara, contested from Vijayapura in collusion with Minister Patil.
