Speculation Rises Over BJP Leadership in Karnataka
Talks intensify over BJP state leadership in Karnataka as Vijayendra faces both support and opposition within the party
By : Gururaj A Paniyadi
Update: 2025-01-07 12:20 GMT
Mangaluru: Speculation about a potential change in the BJP’s Karnataka state leadership has triggered discussions within and outside the party as the process for electing state presidents gets underway across the country.
In Karnataka, the focus is on BY Vijayendra, the current state president and son of BJP veteran BS Yediyurappa. Vijayendra was appointed as the president in Nov 2023, following the completion of Nalin Kumar Kateel’s term.
With the election process now formally initiated, questions over his continuation as state president have gained momentum.
Vijayendra enjoys strong backing from the Lingayat community, thanks to the influence of his father, who remains a notable figure in Karnataka politics. Prominent religious leaders and community leaders have endorsed his leadership. However, opposition within the party persists, led by a faction including MLAs Basangouda Patil Yatnal and Ramesh Jarkiholi. This faction has openly expressed dissatisfaction with Vijayendra’s leadership and sees the upcoming election as an opportunity for a change.
Amid this backdrop, several other names are being discussed within party circles. Among them is MLC Ravi Kumar, who has long-standing ties with the BJP and its ideological mentor, the Sangh Parivar. A leader from the Backward Classes, Ravi Kumar’s neutrality and extensive experience, including a stint as state general secretary, make him a strong contender. Another name making rounds is former Chief Minister and current Haveri MP Basavaraj Bommai, a Lingayat leader closely associated with Yediyurappa. Bommai, who succeeded Yediyurappa as Chief Minister in 2021, is viewed as a viable option should the need arise to replace Vijayendra.
Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje, who is also a close aide of Yediyurappa and was also seen with the Yatnal team during the Waqf protest, is the other name making rounds.
Despite the speculation, party insiders believe it is unlikely that Vijayendra will be replaced at this stage. “He has completed just a year in the post. While there is some opposition, he also has considerable support within the party. Removing him could have its own repercussions. Nalin Kumar Kateel was initially appointed but was later formally elected during the election process. A similar outcome could happen here,” a senior BJP leader told Deccan Chronicle.
The leader added that the party is focused on ensuring unity ahead of crucial elections. As part of this strategy, the new state committee is likely to include leaders from different factions, ensuring representation for those aligned with Yatnal and others.
In Karnataka, the focus is on BY Vijayendra, the current state president and son of BJP veteran BS Yediyurappa. Vijayendra was appointed as the president in Nov 2023, following the completion of Nalin Kumar Kateel’s term.
With the election process now formally initiated, questions over his continuation as state president have gained momentum.
Vijayendra enjoys strong backing from the Lingayat community, thanks to the influence of his father, who remains a notable figure in Karnataka politics. Prominent religious leaders and community leaders have endorsed his leadership. However, opposition within the party persists, led by a faction including MLAs Basangouda Patil Yatnal and Ramesh Jarkiholi. This faction has openly expressed dissatisfaction with Vijayendra’s leadership and sees the upcoming election as an opportunity for a change.
Amid this backdrop, several other names are being discussed within party circles. Among them is MLC Ravi Kumar, who has long-standing ties with the BJP and its ideological mentor, the Sangh Parivar. A leader from the Backward Classes, Ravi Kumar’s neutrality and extensive experience, including a stint as state general secretary, make him a strong contender. Another name making rounds is former Chief Minister and current Haveri MP Basavaraj Bommai, a Lingayat leader closely associated with Yediyurappa. Bommai, who succeeded Yediyurappa as Chief Minister in 2021, is viewed as a viable option should the need arise to replace Vijayendra.
Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje, who is also a close aide of Yediyurappa and was also seen with the Yatnal team during the Waqf protest, is the other name making rounds.
Despite the speculation, party insiders believe it is unlikely that Vijayendra will be replaced at this stage. “He has completed just a year in the post. While there is some opposition, he also has considerable support within the party. Removing him could have its own repercussions. Nalin Kumar Kateel was initially appointed but was later formally elected during the election process. A similar outcome could happen here,” a senior BJP leader told Deccan Chronicle.
The leader added that the party is focused on ensuring unity ahead of crucial elections. As part of this strategy, the new state committee is likely to include leaders from different factions, ensuring representation for those aligned with Yatnal and others.