Karnataka BJP Leader Sriramulu Considers Resignation Amid Tensions with MLA Janardhana Reddy
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Synopsis
The tension in Karnataka BJP escalates as former minister B. Sriramulu accuses MLA Gali Janardhana Reddy of undermining his political career, expressing a willingness to resign amidst ongoing party conflicts.
Key Takeaways
- Sriramulu accuses Janardhana Reddy of political sabotage.
- He feels humiliated by Radha Mohan Agarwal’s comments.
- Claims of being a loyal party worker for 30 years.
- Internal conflicts threaten the party’s stability.
- Possible resignation considered but later reconsidered.
Bengaluru, Jan 22 (NationPress) The internal strife within the Karnataka BJP has emerged into the open, as former minister B. Sriramulu has accused mining tycoon and MLA Gali Janardhana Reddy of trying to sabotage his political career.
Sriramulu, a key figure advocating for the oppressed communities, has indicated his readiness to leave the party due to these conflicts.
In a media briefing, Sriramulu stated that BJP Karnataka in-charge Radha Mohan Agarwal had publicly humiliated him during a recent core committee meeting. He claimed that Agarwal held him responsible for the party's defeat in the Sandur Assembly by-election.
“Agarwal asserted that I failed to support BJP candidate Bangaru Hanumantha, resulting in the party's loss,” Sriramulu mentioned.
In defense of himself, Sriramulu highlighted that the committee chaired by former Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda had not yet delivered its findings on the bypoll loss. “I challenged State President B.Y. Vijayendra’s silence on the issue. Vijayendra is aware that I campaigned actively in the Sandur constituency from the beginning, as he was there. I only left for Shiggaon in the closing days of the election to aid the BJP candidate there,” Sriramulu clarified.
The BJP leader expressed deep hurt over the accusations and claimed that Janardhana Reddy had been swaying the party leadership against him. “Reddy is behaving like a dictator, wanting the party to operate according to his desires. I’ve remained a dedicated party worker for thirty years and have never betrayed the BJP. Nevertheless, plots are being devised against me,” Sriramulu asserted.
Sriramulu admitted that he had considered resigning from the party but was dissuaded by Agarwal, who urged him not to take such a drastic step.
Sources indicate that Sriramulu has voiced his concerns to the BJP’s central leadership.
The recent state BJP core committee meeting, conducted on Tuesday night, has revealed deeper fractures within the party. The open dissent from former ministers Ramesh Jarkiholi and Basanagouda Patil Yatnal against State President Vijayendra has already tarnished the party’s reputation and created uncertainty among workers statewide.
Meanwhile, the party is preparing for elections to select district and state presidents.
Sriramulu and Janardhana Reddy, who were once considered close collaborators in Karnataka politics, now find themselves at odds. While Reddy played a crucial role in Sriramulu’s ascent in state politics, their paths have diverged. Sriramulu opted not to align with Reddy’s Karnataka Rajya Pragathi Paksha (KRPP), which was established prior to the state assembly elections. In March 2024, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Reddy merged the KRPP with the BJP, further complicating their relationship.
