BJP Leadership Backs Karnataka Party President Vijayendra

Bengaluru, Feb 6 (NationPress) In a decisive move against certain leaders advocating for the ousting of B.Y. Vijayendra as the President of the Karnataka party, the BJP's high command has declined to consider their grievances regarding him, sources mentioned on Thursday.

Moreover, the high command has reprimanded former minister and BJP MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi for issuing a misleading statement to the media, asserting that their faction had met BJP National President J.P. Nadda.

The senior leadership has voiced its anger towards the rebel group for damaging the party’s reputation.

In this context, the rebels, who were optimistic about persuading the top leadership to replace Vijayendra, have encountered a significant setback and are leaving New Delhi empty-handed, sources confirmed.

The rebellious faction had to settle for former minister and senior Dalit leader Arvind Limbavali meeting National President Nadda a day prior to their arrival in New Delhi.

Former MLA Kumar Bangarappa had an audience with BJP National General Secretary (Organisation), B.L. Santhosh. However, the high command outright rejected a meeting with the rebel group and expressed discontent over their conduct, sources indicated.

The group managed to meet former Chief Minister and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai in New Delhi, requesting him to take the initiative.

However, sources disclosed that Bommai turned down their request, stating that he would adhere to the party’s decision concerning the leadership.

Disappointed by these developments, the rebel leaders have opted to return to Karnataka, while some are heading to Prayagraj to participate in the Maha Kumbh Mela.

Sources indicated that the high command has communicated a clear message regarding the matter of the state president through this incident.

The rebellious faction, including BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, former Union Minister G.M. Siddeshwara, BJP MLA B.P. Harish, and former MLA Kumar Bangarappa, had also intended to file a complaint against Karnataka state in-charge Radha Mohan Das Agarwal.

However, even though their concerns were presented to the national leadership, the latter chose to disregard them, sources revealed.

Encouraged by these developments, BJP MLA Suresh Gowda stated on Thursday that Vijayendra has been effectively steering the party and called for action against the rebel leaders.

“It is inappropriate to criticize former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa. If party leaders themselves make negative remarks against him, it will significantly hurt party workers. Yediyurappa was crucial in bringing the BJP to power in the state. Rebels like MLA Yatnal should address their concerns internally instead of making public statements,” MLA Gowda urged.

He further asserted that the appointment of the state President resides solely with the high command.

However, if no measures are taken against the rebel leaders, it could establish a troubling precedent. The high command should deter rebel leaders from making public statements.

It remains uncertain what will transpire concerning the plans of the rebel MLAs, who had intended to hold an unofficial gathering of the Lingayat community MLAs and MPs at the office of Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti V. Somanna in New Delhi on February 10.

This meeting was intended to convey the message that Vijayendra is not a prominent leader of the influential Lingayat community, from which the BJP draws its core strength in Karnataka.

In response to the activities of the rebel camp in New Delhi, Vijayendra’s supporters have organized a display of strength on February 12.

Former minister M.P. Renukacharya affirmed that the BJP would struggle to secure even 10 seats if Vijayendra is replaced.