Karnataka BJP chief Vijayendra flags Congress leadership churn, hails Yediyurappa's 50-year legacy
Synopsis
Karnataka BJP chief B.Y. Vijayendra has declared that a Congress leadership change in the state is already in motion, pointing to the Siddaramaiah-Shivakumar rivalry and Congress President Kharge's recent remarks as evidence. Meanwhile, a massive celebration marking Yediyurappa's 50-year political journey is being planned in Chitradurga on May 8-9, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and over 10 lakh supporters expected to attend.
Key Takeaways
Karnataka BJP President B.Y.
Vijayendra said on 2 May 2025 that Congress leadership change in the state is underway, citing remarks by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge .
Vijayendra alleged that supporters of Siddaramaiah and D.K.
Shivakumar are gathering in Delhi for power-sharing negotiations.
He claimed Congress leaders privately lack confidence of winning the upcoming by-elections in Karnataka.
Yediyurappa will make a ceremonial entry into Chitradurga on 8 May at 5 pm , with the main event on 9 May featuring Union Home Minister Amit Shah .
More than 10 lakh supporters and over 1,000 religious seers are expected to attend the Chitradurga event.
Vijayendra alleged Mysuru has turned into
Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President B.Y. Vijayendra on Saturday, 2 May said that recent developments within the Congress indicate a leadership change is underway in the state. Speaking to the media in Mysuru after inviting religious seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji of Suttur Mutt for celebrations marking 50 years of former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa's political journey, Vijayendra trained his guns on the ruling Congress government on multiple fronts.
Congress Leadership Tussle in Focus
Vijayendra claimed that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is focused primarily on retaining his position, while supporters of both Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar are reportedly gathering in Delhi for behind-the-scenes power negotiations. Referring to remarks by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, the state BJP chief said that although no formal decision has been announced, the signals clearly point to ongoing discussions around a leadership transition in Karnataka. He also took a jibe, saying Kharge finds himself positioned between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar in the unfolding tussle. This comes amid persistent speculation that the Congress high command may eventually enforce a chief ministerial rotation in the state.
BJP's Confidence Ahead of By-Elections
On the political front, Vijayendra claimed that several Congress leaders have privately told him that their party will not win the upcoming by-elections in the state.
Point of View
But the BJP's framing of it as an imminent collapse overstates the case; Congress governments have survived similar tensions before. What is notable is the Chitradurga event's scale — over 10 lakh supporters and Amit Shah's presence signal that the BJP is using Yediyurappa's milestone as a soft launch for its Karnataka revival strategy ahead of the next assembly cycle. The appeal to 'not politicise' the event, made by the state party president himself, is a tell.
NationPress
27 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Karnataka BJP chief Vijayendra say about Congress leadership change?
Vijayendra said that recent developments within the Congress, including remarks by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, indicate that discussions on a leadership change in Karnataka are already underway. He specifically pointed to the power struggle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar as evidence of internal instability.
What is the Yediyurappa 50-year political journey celebration?
It is a large-scale event marking 50 years of former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa's political career, to be held in Chitradurga on 8 and 9 May 2025. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to attend the main programme on 9 May, along with over 1,000 religious seers and an estimated 10 lakh supporters from across Karnataka.
Why is the event being held in Chitradurga?
According to Vijayendra, the event is being held in Chitradurga based on the request of MP Govind Karjol. The city's central location in Karnataka was cited as a key reason, making it convenient for supporters travelling from across the state.
What allegations did Vijayendra make against the Karnataka government?
Vijayendra alleged that Mysuru has seen a rise in drug abuse, comparing it to 'Udta Punjab', and claimed that corruption is rampant under the Congress-led state government. He also alleged there has been no development across Karnataka since the Congress came to power, contrasting it with the Yediyurappa era.
What did Vijayendra say about the upcoming Karnataka by-elections?
Vijayendra claimed that several Congress leaders have privately told him that the party lacks confidence of winning the upcoming by-elections in Karnataka. He suggested that after the results, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the state government would be forced to reassess their position.
