Karnataka: BJP cracks worry party-hoppers

Belagavi: The war of words between state BJP president B.S. Yeddyurappa and former deputy chief minister K.S. Eshwarappa on several issues, including the launch of the Sangolli Rayanna Brigade, has created fissures within the saffron party.  

A member of the state Legislative Council, who had identified with Mr Yedyurappa in the KJP, told Deccan Chronicle that the situation within the BJP is not conducive due to lack of belief among state leaders. Till recently, the party was thought to come to power after the present Congress government, but things have changed a lot. Instead of displaying unity, BJP leaders are divided on several scores, causing concern among the party’s rank and file. The unity witnessed during the 2008 Assembly polls is missing.

He said that a few legislators from the Congress and JD(S) were interested in joining the BJP and contesting the next Assembly polls from the party. But differences among the top leaders have made them think whether to join the saffron party or to remain in their present political setups. This is not a healthy sign in the party which is hoping to come back to power in the next election, he said.

The present leadership within the BJP is so muddled that it does not have a strategy to capitalise on the anti-incumbency sentiment against the present government.  One of the reasons could be declaring Mr Yeddyurappa as the next chief minister if the BJP comes to power. This has caused heartburn among several leaders, who too were aspirants for the post. Though they have not openly expressed their displeasure, it is evident from their reluctance in taking up party activities and leaving everything to Mr Yeddyurappa.

Another reason for their disenchantment may be Udupi-Chikkamagaluru Lok Sabha member Shobha Karandlaje’s proximity to the state party chief. The leaders are upset that Mr Yeddyurappa takes major decisions by consulting only her and not them, he said.