Karnataka BJP President Marks One Year in Office; Seeks Blessings from PM Amid Leadership Speculations
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Bengaluru, Dec 18 (NationPress) Amid speculations of a leadership shake-up, Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday at his office in New Delhi, seeking his blessings as he marks the completion of his first year in office.
Post-meeting, Vijayendra remarked, “I had the privilege of meeting the Honourable Prime Minister to request his blessings on this milestone of completing a year as state President. The invaluable moments shared with Prime Minister Modi today have sparked inspiration for us to strengthen the party and aid in the nation’s advancement.”
“The guidance and blessings we received from him have infused us with immense enthusiasm to fortify the party in the state. His insights during our discussion inspired us to craft programs that promote increased youth involvement, which not only bolsters the organization but also contributes to the process of nation-building,” he added.
“Our respected Prime Minister, who is committed to establishing a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) with unwavering determination and the selflessness of an achiever, remains a constant source of inspiration for workers like us. His work ethic continually revitalizes us,” he stated.
This meeting holds significance given the backdrop of some BJP leaders suggesting that Vijayendra might be replaced as early as January.
Sources indicate that senior BJP figures, including MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, along with MLAs Ramesh Jarkiholi, Arvind Bellad, MLC C.T. Ravi, and Union Ministers of State Shobha Karandlaje and V. Somanna, are reportedly dissatisfied with Vijayendra’s management.
A senior RSS figure, who has been sidelined from state politics at the behest of former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, is also said to be working against Vijayendra.
Former Chief Ministers and BJP MPs Basavaraj Bommai and Jagadish Shettar are reportedly not inclined toward Vijayendra stepping up, according to BJP sources.
Opponents are leveraging MLA Yatnal to challenge and issue disparaging comments against Vijayendra and his father, Yediyurappa.
Despite admonishments from the party's high command, MLA Yatnal has intensified his critiques of Vijayendra and Yediyurappa this Tuesday.
Following the losses in the recent bye-elections for three Assembly seats, MLA Yatnal stated that the father-son duo (Yediyurappa and Vijayendra) should shoulder the responsibility.
However, Vijayendra's supporters argue that he is progressively emerging as a mass leader capable of delivering results for the party in the state, warning that failure to nurture him could lead to adverse outcomes for the party.
The party has struggled to cultivate a mass leader post-Yediyurappa who can rival the stature of opponents such as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
