Karnataka BJP Chief Vijayendra Embraces Change and Open Dialogue

Bengaluru, Jan 30 (NationPress) Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra stated on Thursday that he is open to self-correction and willing to implement changes if needed. He clarified that he had no involvement in the selection of district presidents.

This statement came as a response to the harsh comments made by senior party member and BJP MP K. Sudhakar.

Sudhakar, a former minister, criticized Vijayendra on Wednesday, accusing him of manipulating the district president election process to ensure specific individuals were re-elected. Sudhakar expressed his intention to appeal to the high command to either adjust Vijayendra’s strategy or replace him, amidst the ongoing controversy regarding district president appointments in the state.

Vijayendra addressed the media in Bengaluru, explaining, “I want to clarify to senior leaders how the electoral process unfolded. As the state president, I did not express any opinions on the appointment of district presidents; it was not within my purview. Former BJP MLC and senior leader Ganesh Karnik was responsible for overseeing the elections in the state, and we had appointed 13 observers to monitor the process.”

He elaborated, “Each observer was tasked with three districts. For every district, we appointed returning officers and co-returning officers. Their oversight included gathering opinions from senior leaders, who were consulted throughout the process. We then submitted three names to the state headquarters, which were later forwarded to New Delhi. The final selection of candidates was determined there, and after completing the electoral process, the district presidents were appointed.”

“Despite being the state president, my involvement in this procedure was minimal. The only district where I could express an opinion was my home district. I do not hold senior leader Sudhakar responsible. There is some confusion among leaders since, for the first time, district president elections were conducted with a new method across the nation, including Karnataka and Chikkaballapur,” he remarked.

“I do not possess the authority to conduct elections independently, as the central leadership is overseeing the entire operation... I have noted the strong comments made by Sudhakar, who claims that I am trying to sideline him. I urge him to refrain from making such statements. The elected district president from Chikkaballapur is also a party worker and related to him. I do not target him personally. Sudhakar has made significant contributions as a minister. However, decisions regarding district-level leadership are made with the central leadership's agreement, and I have not interfered in the process,” Vijayendra stated.

“Such statements do not reflect well on the party or him. Nevertheless, in light of his concerns, I will make necessary corrections, and we must all evolve for the better. I intend to meet Sudhakar personally to discuss and implement changes according to his suggestions. I hold the position of party president, not that of a minister. I have been traveling throughout the state to bolster the party, at the expense of my family,” he added.

“The party does not belong to either of us. Such comments do not align with his stature, and I kindly ask him to avoid making them,” he mentioned in response to a query.

“It is not feasible to appoint a district president based solely on the opinion of one leader. A defined procedure is in place, and blaming me is unjust. Sudhakar should not take this personally. If he has any suggestions, the party will take them into consideration,” he concluded.

When asked about former Minister B. Sriramulu’s dissent, Vijayendra replied, “I have communicated with Sriramulu and assured him that we will resolve our differences privately.”

The ongoing rifts within the BJP's Karnataka faction came to light when Chikballapur MP and former minister K. Sudhakar publicly criticized state President B.Y. Vijayendra on Wednesday, warning that if the national leaders do not take action, the party's future in the state looks bleak.

Sudhakar accused Vijayendra of making arbitrary appointments within the party. “Vijayendra has appointed Sandeep as the District President of Chikkaballapur. He has filled key roles -- District President, State Secretary, State General Secretary, and State Vice President -- solely based on his personal preferences. I am deeply disappointed by his conduct,” he claimed.

He further criticized the internal election process within the BJP. “Elections are being conducted within the party, and nominations for district presidents have commenced. These elections should be held democratically. However, in Chikkaballapur and several other districts, no elections were conducted. You only want individuals who agree with you,” he remarked.

“You (Vijayendra) aim to become the state president through manipulation again. The entire election process for the state president’s position has been rigged. I have yet to bring these issues to the attention of your father, Yediyurappa. The entire party is dissatisfied with the current situation,” he asserted.

The organizational election process of the Karnataka BJP is currently ongoing, with district president elections completed in 23 districts, while the process continues in the remaining areas.

P. Rajeev, the state BJP general secretary and Kudachi MLA, clarified that the organizational election process is being conducted with high transparency. It follows a consensus-based approach, starting from active booth-level workers to the election of Mandal presidents and district presidents, he stated.