Karnataka BJP Tensions: MLA Yatnal Claims Yediyurappa Aiming to End His Political Journey

Belagavi, Dec 9 (NationPress) Amidst the growing discord within the BJP in Karnataka, party MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal has claimed that former Chief Minister and BJP Central Parliamentary Committee member B.S. Yediyurappa is "endeavoring to terminate his political journey".

"Yediyurappa has consistently obstructed any leader from the Lingayat community from rising to leadership positions. Everyone is aware of how he politically dismantled the late BJP leader B.B. Shivappa. Similarly, he intends to conclude my political journey," alleged MLA Yatnal.

He further claimed that a faction is forming against him in his Vijayapura constituency.

Additionally, the BJP has served him with a show cause notice regarding his prior remarks questioning the authority of party state chief B.Y. Vijayendra.

Previously, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had also instructed MLA Yatnal to refrain from making statements that could "embarrass" the party.

Yatnal has openly challenged Vijayendra and advocated for senior leaders to be considered for the state chief position. He initiated protests concerning the Waqf issue without waiting for Vijayendra's approval.

MLA Yatnal, along with his supporters, traveled to New Delhi to lodge complaints with the party's high command. Karnataka In-charge Radha Mohan Das Agarwal has confirmed that Vijayendra will remain as state chief. A show-cause notice was issued to MLA Yatnal, and party officials have indicated that action will be taken against him once he responds.

Sources suggest that Yediyurappa's opponents and senior party leaders—including Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister for State Shobha Karandlaje, former CM Basavaraj Bommai, MLC C.T. Ravi, and BJP National General Secretary B.L. Santosh—are against Vijayendra retaining his position.

Should the party succeed in the 2029 Assembly elections, Vijayendra is viewed as the likely candidate for the Chief Minister's post. Senior leaders are also dissatisfied with Vijayendra due to his perceived authoritarian demeanor and lack of respect for their seniority.

It is an open secret that MLA Yatnal enjoys support from senior leaders, allowing him to evade severe repercussions.

Representing the Vijayapura Assembly constituency, which has a significant population of Muslim voters, Yatnal is recognized as a strong Hindutva leader and previously served as the Union Minister of State for Railways and Textiles under late PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Party leaders fear losing this constituency without MLA Yatnal's influence.

In parallel, Bengaluru's Yeshwanthpur BJP MLA S.T. Somashekar stated, "I will support those who have provided us with grants. My allegiance lies with the Congress."

In response to rumors of impending disciplinary actions against him for alleged anti-party activities, he remarked, "I am not involved in any anti-party activities. I have communicated with the party president. Everyone knows who has made certain statements. Actions should also be directed at them."

He added, "The Congress government is currently offering grants. I have not yet received any invitation for the BJP legislative meeting, but I will attend if summoned."

MLA Somashekar is perceived to have a close relationship with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who he describes as his "godfather" for facilitating his political ascent.