Congress Accuses BJP of Manipulating Lingayat Leaders, Targets BY Vijayendra

MANGALURU: The political tussle between the Congress and BJP in Karnataka continues to intensify as the Congress now levels allegations that the BJP is using leaders from the Lingayat community to further its agenda.

The recent appointment of BY Vijayendra, son of former CM BS Yediyurappa, as the state unit chief by the BJP has become the focal point of this accusation. Despite Vijayendra hailing from the Lingayat community, the Congress has portrayed him as a mere pawn in the BJP's political maneuvers.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the Congress alleged, "BJP's agenda is to use and discard Lingayat leaders! Yeddyurappa was reduced to tears and ousted from the post twice. Jagadish Shettar was deceived by being kept away from power. V Somanna was systematically pushed into the pit of defeat. Laxman Savadi was cornered and neglected. Basavaraj Bommai, who was the CM, was completely ignored. Similarly, Vijayendra is also a scapegoat (Harakeya Kuri) who will be used and discarded." The Lingayat community holds significant political influence in Karnataka, and both the Congress and BJP are strategically vying for their support to secure maximum seats in the upcoming Parliament elections.