Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Feb 22: Tensions within the Karnataka BJP seem to be calming as the party’s high command takes steps to rein in rebel leaders who had openly opposed the state unit president, B.Y. Vijayendra. The internal conflict appears to be reaching its conclusion, with preparations underway for the election of a new state president.

Sources suggest that Vijayendra, who currently holds the position, is confident of securing re-election, while the rebel faction is optimistic about securing the post for one of their own. However, following strict instructions from the BJP high command, the once vocal rebel leaders have largely been subdued.

Prominent figures in the rebel camp include senior BJP leaders such as MLAs Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, Ramesh Jarkiholi, former MP G.M. Siddeshwara, former MLAs B.P. Harish and Kumar Bangarappa, as well as N.R. Santosh, a relative of former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa. Yatnal, in particular, had resorted to offensive language aimed at both Vijayendra and his father, Yediyurappa.

In response to Yatnal's remarks, the BJP high command issued two notices warning of potential consequences for his actions. Vijayendra has since stated, "Yatnal is a senior leader, and I will not react to his verbal attacks now. I have kept track of the objectionable remarks and will respond at an appropriate time."

Meanwhile, Kumar Bangarappa, a former MLA, reaffirmed the rebel faction's stance and insisted they would not back down from contesting the position of state president. "We have not withdrawn our decision. If an election is held, our candidate will contest, and the state president will definitely be replaced," Bangarappa stated.

Bangarappa also mentioned that the rebel faction had already communicated the ongoing issues within the Karnataka BJP to the high command and would continue to raise their concerns until the election process is completed. He added, "The arrival of Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who is overseeing the election of the state president, has not yet been finalised, and the election schedule remains pending."

The rebels also voiced concerns about the recent process for electing district presidents, claiming that only the party's preferred candidates were being selected and that former KJP leaders were being prioritised. "We will meet the high command again to express our concerns about this issue," Bangarappa confirmed.

The future leadership of the Karnataka BJP is expected to be determined by the high command and the Sangh Parivar, with all eyes now on the upcoming election for state president.