Karnataka BJP grappling with internal discord

Mangaluru: After the defeat in the recent Assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party is grappling with internal discord and confusion.

The once cohesive party now finds itself embroiled in confusion and mudslinging, openly seen during the party’s public events. Moreover, the BJP members are fuming as they see the party's failure to effectively challenge and expose the shortcomings of the ruling Congress government in implementing Guarantee schemes.

The absence of a strong leader in the state stands as a primary factor contributing to the ongoing confusion. Party members are urging the party high command to appoint a new party president and leader of the opposition at the earliest. The aim is clear: to restore order and coherence among the party ranks, thereby fortifying their collective strength to fight the Congress government in the state and also to gear up for the Parliament election due next year.

Despite the party's efforts to showcase the nine-year rule of Prime Minister Modi through various programmes, party leaders admit that the prevailing atmosphere lacks the fervor and passion witnessed before, owing to the recent setback in the Assembly election.

This atmosphere has been further tainted by instances of public factionalism, wherein leaders exchange barbs and insinuations, even in the presence of senior party figures, a senior BJP leader pointed out.

"The BJP has long been regarded as a party of discipline. The public spectacle of MLAs and former Ministers engaging in verbal confrontations is disheartening. This is a sight we used to associate with the Congress camp, but now it is openly witnessed within the BJP as well. After the defeat, our leaders and workers openly blame each other," the leader told Deccan Chronicle on condition of anonymity.

"This was not the case previously, as we had leaders who maintained control over their subordinates. BS Yediyurappa and Eshwarappa have retired from electoral politics and Jagadish Shettar has left the party. State president Nalin Kumar Kateel has completed his 3-year term and continues to serve in the post until a new president is appointed. Naturally, the party members' sentiments toward him remain lukewarm," he said.

"In the absence of a designated leader of the opposition, MLAs are expressing their opinions independently. It is imperative for the party to promptly appoint a new state chief and leader of the opposition to restore order and re-establish unity," he said.

Party men also acknowledge the BJP's challenges in effectively carrying out its responsibilities as the opposition, expressing disappointment over the party's failure to adequately scrutinize the actions of the Congress government.

"During our tenure in opposition in the past, we consistently and ardently challenged the government's errors. However, in the present circumstances, while some members have effectively taken up this responsibility, those who joined the party for power have remained silent. Consequently, our party has been unable to effectively expose the Congress party's missteps," lamented a former MLA.

“The party high command is taking note of everything. We are sure the leaders will take proper steps at appropriate time,” he added.