Rahul Gandhi creating confusion over CEC row, says Karnataka BJP chief Vijayendra
Synopsis
Karnataka BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra has accused Rahul Gandhi of deliberately stoking confusion through the CEC row, calling it a tactic born of electoral frustration. The remarks come alongside a pending Hiriyur by-election candidate decision and a sharp broadside at the Congress government over Mysuru Dasara mismanagement — signalling a multi-front BJP offensive in Karnataka.
Key Takeaways
Vijayendra , BJP Karnataka president, alleged on 17 October that Rahul Gandhi was using organisations to create confusion in the country over the CEC row.
Vijayendra claimed efforts to engineer instability through communist parties would fail, citing public support for PM Narendra Modi .
The BJP central core committee has discussed candidates for the Hiriyur Assembly by-election; a final decision on whether BJP or JD(S) contests the seat is pending.
Vijayendra criticised the Congress government's management of Mysuru Dasara , citing complaints over inadequate food arrangements for women attendees.
He attended the 'Vachana Jhankara' programme at Murugha Math , Chitradurga, as part of the Sharana Sanskriti Festival .
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Karnataka president and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra on 17 October alleged that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, frustrated by repeated electoral setbacks, was attempting to exploit various organisations to manufacture an atmosphere of confusion across the country. Vijayendra made the remarks in Chitradurga, where he also attended a cultural programme at Murugha Math.
Vijayendra's Allegations Against Rahul Gandhi
The Karnataka BJP chief alleged that efforts to engineer instability by leveraging communist parties would ultimately fail, asserting that the people of India had firmly accepted the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 'Such attempts would be temporary, and the people would give an appropriate response,' Vijayendra said. He further claimed that recent statements by Congress leaders had reinforced accusations that the party was channelling financial support to various organisations — allegations the Congress has not publicly addressed.
Hiriyur By-Election: Candidate Decision Pending
Vijayendra disclosed that the BJP's central core committee had deliberated on the upcoming by-election to the Hiriyur Assembly constituency. He said names of several aspirants had been discussed and a shortlist would be forwarded to the party's Central Election Committee (CEC). A final call on whether the BJP or its alliance partner Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S)) would field a candidate from Hiriyur is expected after consultations between senior alliance leaders, he added.
Mysuru Dasara Mismanagement Criticism
Expressing dissatisfaction over event management during Mysuru Dasara, Vijayendra said there had been complaints that adequate food arrangements were not made for women who attended the festivities. 'Such mismanagement has never been witnessed during Mysuru Dasara in the past. People who came to attend the festivities are expressing their dissatisfaction,' he said. The remarks are notable given that Mysuru Dasara is a flagship state cultural event and its administration falls under the incumbent Congress government in Karnataka.
Vachana Jhankara Programme in Chitradurga
Earlier in the day, Vijayendra participated in the 'Vachana Jhankara' programme organised as part of the Sharana Sanskriti Festival at Anubhava Mantapa in Murugha Math, Chitradurga. Hundreds of participants sang vachanas, recalling the ideals and teachings of the sharanas. Senior religious figures including Panditaradhya Shivacharya Swamiji of Taralabalu Math in Sanehalli, Madara Channaiah Swamiji of Shivasharana Madara Channaiah Math, and Vachananda Swamiji of Panchamasali Math attended the event. Legislative Council member K.S. Naveen, former MLA G.H. Thippareddy, and other dignitaries were also present.
With the Hiriyur by-election decision still pending and the BJP-JD(S) alliance dynamics under scrutiny, Vijayendra's remarks signal that Karnataka's political temperature is set to rise further in the weeks ahead.
Point of View
And potentially more damaging locally, is his criticism of Mysuru Dasara management: attacking a flagship cultural event's administration hits the Karnataka Congress government on optics it can ill afford to lose. The Hiriyur by-election calculus — BJP or JD(S) — will also test how durable the NDA alliance in Karnataka truly is, a question that mainstream coverage has largely underplayed.
NationPress
17 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did B.Y. Vijayendra allege about Rahul Gandhi and the CEC row?
Vijayendra alleged that Rahul Gandhi, frustrated by electoral defeats, was using various organisations to create an atmosphere of confusion in the country over the CEC row. He claimed such attempts were temporary and that the public would respond appropriately.
What is the status of the Hiriyur Assembly by-election candidate selection?
The BJP's central core committee has discussed potential candidates for the Hiriyur Assembly by-election and will forward a shortlist to the Central Election Committee. A final decision on whether BJP or alliance partner JD(S) fields the candidate is pending consultations between senior leaders.
Why did Vijayendra criticise Mysuru Dasara arrangements?
Vijayendra said there were complaints that adequate food arrangements had not been made for women who attended the Mysuru Dasara festivities, calling it unprecedented mismanagement. The event's administration falls under the incumbent Congress government in Karnataka.
What is the Vachana Jhankara programme Vijayendra attended?
The Vachana Jhankara programme is part of the Sharana Sanskriti Festival held at Anubhava Mantapa in Murugha Math, Chitradurga. Hundreds of participants sang vachanas recalling the ideals of the sharanas, with senior religious figures and political dignitaries in attendance.
Who attended the Sharana Sanskriti Festival event in Chitradurga?
Senior religious figures including Panditaradhya Shivacharya Swamiji, Madara Channaiah Swamiji, and Vachananda Swamiji attended, along with Legislative Council member K.S. Naveen, former MLA G.H. Thippareddy, and several other dignitaries.
