A purported audio clip allegedly featuring former Karnataka Chief Minister and former Union Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda discussing the ouster of B.Y. Vijayendra as Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President has gone viral on social media, triggering a fresh political controversy in Bengaluru and intensifying speculation over internal fissures within the state BJP unit. Gowda has categorically denied that the voice in the clip is his, calling it fabricated.

What the Audio Clip Claims

In the purported recording, a voice attributed to Gowda is heard suggesting that Vijayendra should be removed from the post of state BJP president by October, after nearly completing his three-year tenure. The voice in the clip is heard saying: 'He is completing three years as state president by November. Why should we create another controversy? We should continue smoothly and, after another two months, remove him. By then, his tenure would have almost ended and no one would have any questions or complaints. There will be no confusion within the party. We should prepare the ground in July, August and September, and remove him in October.'

A second, unidentified voice in the conversation is heard alleging that a 'double game' is being played by BJP National General Secretary (Organisation) B.L. Santhosh and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi. The voice attributed to Gowda is also heard saying he only believes in God.

Sadananda Gowda's Denial

Gowda has dismissed the clip as a fabrication. 'The audio clip circulating on social media is fake. The voice in the clip is not mine. I do not know anything about it, and I will not respond to purported audio clips or videos that are falsely attributed to me. I have nothing more to say,' he said in a statement.

BJP Leaders Urge Caution

BJP MP and former minister Kota Srinivas Poojary said he had not listened to the audio and urged restraint before drawing conclusions. 'I have not heard the purported audio involving Sadananda Gowda. Before reacting, we should first verify whether the audio is genuine. B.Y. Vijayendra is functioning as the state BJP president after being appointed by the party's national leadership. It is our responsibility to cooperate with him. We do not have the authority to comment on matters decided by the party leadership,' Poojary said.

Internal Tensions and Recent Developments

The controversy surfaces amid acknowledged discussions within the party following a cross-voting episode during the recent Karnataka Legislative Council elections, in which the BJP candidate secured a narrow victory. Party insiders have confirmed that the episode has prompted internal deliberations.

Notably, Vijayendra, accompanied by Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka, recently travelled to New Delhi and met the BJP national leadership. Vijayendra also visited the pilgrimage centre of Dharmasthala, where he offered prayers to Lord Manjunatha and denied any association with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, stating he had no connection whatsoever with him.

Historical Context

The episode revives long-standing fault lines within Karnataka's BJP. Sadananda Gowda was reportedly preferred by former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa for the Chief Minister's post when Yediyurappa was asked to step down in 2011 amid stiff opposition from the national leadership. Gowda was subsequently accused of aligning with the Deve Gowda family and acting against Yediyurappa after assuming the Chief Minister's office — allegations that deepened existing divisions in the state unit.

With the state BJP's internal dynamics under renewed scrutiny, the authenticity of the clip and its political fallout are expected to remain a flashpoint in Karnataka politics in the weeks ahead.