BJP rebels firm on leadership change in Karnataka, demand state president election amid conflict
Bengaluru: Despite a showcause notice issued to rebel leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, dissent within the BJP continues, with rebels firm on their demand for an election to determine the party’s next Karnataka state president, media reports said.
Incumbent BY Vijayendra remains confident of retaining his position, while the opposing faction insists on leadership change, reported The Times of India.
“We have not withdrawn our decision. If an election is held, our candidate will contest. The state president will be replaced for sure,” said former minister Kumar Bangarappa on Saturday, reiterating the faction’s stance, according to the report.
Bangarappa stated that they have conveyed their concerns to the party's high command.
We are waiting for Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's arrival. The high command has assured us that discussions will take place, followed by an election,” he noted, the report said.
He also stressed their preparedness to contest if elections are announced.
“MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal has already responded to the notice against him. We stand by him and will continue to voice our concerns until the election is held,” Bangarappa was quoted as saying by TOI.
The rebels have accused the current leadership of bias in appointing district presidents.
“Only preferred candidates are being selected, and all former KJP leaders have been given key positions. We will raise this issue with the high command again,” he said.
The dissenting faction includes Yatnal, Ramesh Jarkiholi, GM Siddeshwara, BP Harish, Kumar Bangarappa, and NR Santosh.
Reports suggest they have the backing of some Union ministers.
Vijayendra responded to the rebels’ claims, stating, “I have kept track of Yatnal’s remarks and will respond at the right time.”
BJP MLA backs Congress guarantee schemes
Amid the BJP’s criticism of the Congress government's guarantee schemes, party MLA and former minister Shivaram Hebbar has expressed support for the initiatives, calling them essential for creating an equitable society, the report said.
He acknowledged that the schemes initially impacted development work but said improvements have followed over time.
Hebbar also questioned BJP leaders’ opposition, pointing out that similar welfare initiatives have been implemented by the party in Maharashtra and Delhi, according to the TOI report.
On the infighting within the state BJP, Hebbar expressed uncertainty over the number of factions and indicated his decision to distance himself from party affairs, citing dissatisfaction with the current system, it added.
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