Karnataka BJP chief Vijayendra accuses Congress, Rahul Gandhi of undermining Election Commission
Synopsis
Karnataka BJP chief B.Y. Vijayendra used a temple-launch yatra in Kolar to fire on multiple fronts: accusing Rahul Gandhi of undermining the Election Commission, slamming the state government for disbursing only ₹2,500 against a demanded ₹50,000 per hectare in drought relief, and citing an internal Congress letter alleging ministerial corruption — a multi-pronged offensive timed to panchayat elections.
Key Takeaways
Vijayendra accused the Congress and LoP Rahul Gandhi of attempting to undermine the Election Commission of India on 1 October 2026 .
The charges were made at the launch of the BJP's Booth Vijaya Sankalpa Yatra in Kolar, Karnataka .
Vijayendra alleged the state government paid only ₹2,500 per hectare in drought relief against the BJP's demand of ₹50,000 per hectare .
Congress MLA Ashok Rai reportedly wrote a letter alleging an 8% commission was paid to ministers — cited by Vijayendra as proof of corruption.
The yatra will cover Bangarpet and KGF Assembly constituencies and is aimed at boosting BJP's presence ahead of Zilla Panchayat and Taluk Panchayat elections.
B.Y. Vijayendra, President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka, on Thursday, 1 October 2026, accused the Indian National Congress and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi of deliberately attempting to cast doubt on the credibility of the Election Commission of India (ECI). Vijayendra made the remarks in Kolar after participating in prayers at the Sri Vighneshwara Temple at Kurudumale in Mulbagal taluk, as part of the BJP's Booth Vijaya Sankalpa Yatra.
BJP Charges Congress With 'Frustration Politics'
Addressing reporters on the sidelines of the yatra, Vijayendra alleged that the Congress's attacks on the ECI stemmed from frustration rather than legitimate concern. His remarks came amid an ongoing political row over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which has drawn criticism from opposition parties. Vijayendra claimed that the Congress and Gandhi were unable to reconcile themselves to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popularity and the nation's progress under his leadership, and asserted that the public had seen through what he described as the party's 'drama'.
Drought Relief Row: BJP Demands ₹50,000 Per Hectare
Vijayendra trained his sights on the Karnataka state government over its response to the drought crisis, alleging a stark shortfall in farmer compensation. The BJP had demanded ₹50,000 per hectare as relief, but Vijayendra alleged the government had disbursed only ₹2,500 per hectare. 'The state government is like being alive but dead when it comes to farmers,' he said. The allegation signals a sharpening of the BJP's campaign ahead of local body elections, with agrarian distress emerging as a key flashpoint.
Traffic Fine Hike and Corruption Allegations
Vijayendra also took aim at the state government's proposed revision of traffic violation penalties, specifically a reported ₹5,000 fine for riding on one-way roads. While acknowledging the need to enforce traffic rules, he argued the move placed an undue financial burden on ordinary citizens. Separately, he referred to a letter reportedly written by Congress MLA Ashok Rai alleging that an eight per cent commission was required to be paid to ministers — an allegation he cited as evidence of what he called an 'anti-people' government.
Yatra Targets Kolar District, NDA Comeback in Sight
The Booth Vijaya Sankalpa Yatra was formally launched with the temple prayers and is also framed around marking Prime Minister Modi's 25 years of public service. Vijayendra confirmed the party would carry the Seva Sankalpa campaign into the Bangarpet and KGF Assembly constituencies. With Zilla Panchayat and Taluk Panchayat elections on the horizon, the yatra is equally aimed at energising booth-level workers. Vijayendra called on party cadre to work towards improving the BJP's representation from Kolar district in future electoral contests, expressing confidence that an NDA government led by the BJP would eventually return to power in Karnataka.
Point of View
A district the BJP wants to consolidate, is deliberate signalling. The Election Commission attack line gives the BJP a national hook, tying Karnataka politics to the larger SIR controversy that opposition parties have been amplifying. More revealing, however, is the drought relief allegation: if the ₹2,500-versus-₹50,000 gap is accurate, it is a potent, tangible grievance that transcends party rhetoric. The Ashok Rai letter on ministerial commissions, if authenticated, hands the BJP a gift it did not need to manufacture — but its impact depends entirely on whether the party follows it into a formal inquiry demand, or lets it fade as a talking point.
NationPress
1 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Karnataka BJP chief Vijayendra accuse Rahul Gandhi of?
Vijayendra accused Congress and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi of deliberately trying to undermine the credibility of the Election Commission of India, alleging the attacks were driven by frustration over PM Modi's popularity. The remarks were made in Kolar on 1 October 2026 amid controversy over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
What is the BJP's demand on drought relief in Karnataka?
The BJP has demanded ₹50,000 per hectare as compensation for farmers hit by drought. Vijayendra alleged the Karnataka state government disbursed only ₹2,500 per hectare, calling the response deeply inadequate for affected farmers.
What is the Booth Vijaya Sankalpa Yatra?
It is a BJP grassroots mobilisation drive launched in Karnataka with prayers at the Sri Vighneshwara Temple in Kurudumale, Mulbagal taluk, Kolar. The yatra is aimed at boosting booth-level party workers ahead of Zilla Panchayat and Taluk Panchayat elections and also marks PM Modi's 25 years of public service.
What is the Congress MLA Ashok Rai letter controversy?
Vijayendra referred to a letter reportedly written by Congress MLA Ashok Rai alleging that an eight per cent commission was required to be paid to ministers in Karnataka. Vijayendra cited this letter as evidence of corruption by the ruling Congress government.
What elections is the BJP eyeing in Karnataka?
The BJP is focused on upcoming Zilla Panchayat and Taluk Panchayat elections in Karnataka. Vijayendra called on party workers to increase the BJP's representation from Kolar district, expressing confidence that an NDA-led government would return to power in the state.
