Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengalru, Sep 24: Factionalism, which has been a hallmark of the state unit of the BJP, raised its ugly head again on Saturday September 23, at a time when the leaders were giving a signal that the party functionaries have sunk their differences and all is well. Members of one faction of the party were conspicuous by their absence at the state level booth committee meeting, which has been formed for addressing district level booth committee issues, which met at Saturday September 23.

While there are claims that the faction which stayed away from the meeting wanted to register its unhappiness with the style of functioning of Yeddyurappa, there are some who dismiss this notion. Contrasting signals emanating from certain party circles claimed that group loyal to Yeddyurappa had sent out clear signal to the members loyal to national organizing secretary of the party, B L Sathosh, to desist from participating in this meeting.

The absentees included members of the booth committee, Bhanuprakash, M B Nandish, Girish Patel, and some others. Sources said that this particular group was told over phone on Friday night not to attend the booth committee meeting.

Some other sources within the state BJP dismissed this information as false. They said that no one was barred from attending the meeting on behalf of the party. However, the fact that some members stayed away from participating in the meeting makes it clear that dissent continues to brew within the party.

There are 36 organizational districts in the state under the state booth committee. Under state BJP organizing secretary, Arun Kumar, and state general secretary, N Ravikumar, in-charge for district booth level committees have been appointed. Those who came up through the party cadres of the party have been given preference A meeting of this committee was convened on Saturday.