BJP chief Nitin Nabin's first Karnataka visit: meetings, temple, fuel row
Synopsis
BJP national President Nitin Nabin's maiden Karnataka trip is more than a routine check-in — it combines a high-profile breakfast with B.S. Yediyurappa, a two-hour legislative review, and a grassroots training camp, while state chief Vijayendra uses the occasion to open a fresh front against Siddaramaiah on fuel taxes.
Key Takeaways
Nitin Nabin arrives in Bengaluru on Saturday evening for his first state visit as BJP national President.
He will meet former CM B.S.
Yediyurappa for breakfast on Sunday morning and offer prayers at Kadumalleshwara Temple .
Nearly two hours of discussions with BJP MPs, MLAs, and Legislative Council members are scheduled at Jagannath Bhavan .
Nabin will also chair the party's core committee meeting and attend a training camp in Bengaluru North district .
State BJP chief B.Y.
Vijayendra urged CM Siddaramaiah to cut state fuel taxes, recalling his earlier pledge to reduce prices by ₹10 .
Vijayendra criticised Minister Priyank Kharge , asking him to advise the state government rather than target the BJP.
Bharatiya Janata Party national President Nitin Nabin will arrive in Bengaluru on Saturday evening for his first visit to Karnataka since assuming charge as party chief, according to state BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra. The visit is packed with organisational engagements spanning senior leaders, legislators, and grassroots workers.
Key Itinerary for the Visit
Nabin is scheduled to begin Sunday morning with a breakfast meeting at the residence of former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, one of the party's most influential figures in the state. He will then offer prayers at the Kadumalleshwara Temple before proceeding to the state BJP headquarters, Jagannath Bhavan, by approximately 10 a.m.
At the headquarters, Nabin will hold nearly two hours of discussions with BJP Members of Parliament, Members of the Legislative Assembly, and Legislative Council members, covering the current political situation in Karnataka.
Core Committee and Training Camp
Beyond the leadership consultations, the BJP President will chair the party's core committee meeting and subsequently attend a training camp organised in Bengaluru North district. Vijayendra described Nabin's participation in the training programme as significant for party morale.
'It is a matter of pride for us that the BJP President is participating in the training programme. His presence will inspire party workers,' Vijayendra said.
Vijayendra Defends Fuel Price Hike, Targets Siddaramaiah
On the sidelines of the announcement, Vijayendra defended the Centre's decision to raise fuel prices, calling it unavoidable given prevailing global conditions. He noted that the Union government had increased fuel prices for the third time due to circumstances arising from international market developments.
'Because of global developments, the Central government has been compelled to increase fuel prices. Even though the government did not want to take such a step, it was forced to make a difficult decision,' Vijayendra said.
He simultaneously turned the pressure on Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, recalling a prior statement in which Siddaramaiah had pledged to cut fuel prices by ₹10. Vijayendra urged the state government to reduce the additional tax levied on petrol and diesel in Karnataka, arguing it would provide relief to citizens.
Priyank Kharge Drawn Into the Row
Vijayendra also directed criticism at Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge, saying the minister should redirect his energy toward advising the state government rather than attacking the BJP. 'Instead of lecturing the BJP, Priyank Kharge should ask the state government to reduce the additional tax on petrol and diesel and set an example for the country,' Vijayendra said, adding that Kharge ought to counsel Chief Minister Siddaramaiah directly on the matter.
Nabin's Karnataka visit is being watched as an early signal of how the new national BJP leadership intends to engage with state units ahead of future electoral cycles.
Point of View
Redirecting focus to Karnataka's state-level fuel taxes shifts the narrative and puts Siddaramaiah on the defensive. Whether that messaging lands depends on whether voters distinguish between central excise and state VAT — a distinction that has historically been blurred in political campaigns.
NationPress
8 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Nitin Nabin visiting Karnataka?
Nitin Nabin is visiting Karnataka for the first time since becoming BJP national President to hold organisational meetings with senior leaders, MPs, MLAs, and party workers, and to attend a core committee meeting and training camp in Bengaluru.
What is the schedule for Nabin's Bengaluru visit?
On Sunday morning, Nabin will have breakfast with former CM B.S. Yediyurappa, offer prayers at Kadumalleshwara Temple, then arrive at BJP headquarters Jagannath Bhavan by 10 a.m. for nearly two hours of discussions with legislators, followed by a core committee meeting and a training camp in Bengaluru North district.
What did Vijayendra say about the fuel price hike?
Vijayendra defended the Centre's decision, saying the Union government was compelled to raise fuel prices for the third time due to unavoidable global market conditions. He simultaneously urged Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah to cut the state's additional tax on petrol and diesel.
Why did Vijayendra criticise Priyank Kharge?
Vijayendra said Kharge should advise the Karnataka state government to reduce fuel taxes rather than targeting the BJP, arguing the minister could set a national example by pressing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to act on fuel price relief.
Who is B.Y. Vijayendra?
B.Y. Vijayendra is the President of the Karnataka BJP and the son of former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa. He made the announcement about Nabin's visit while speaking to reporters at the state BJP office in Bengaluru on Saturday.
