BJP’s Ballari Padayatra Sparks Internal Strife and Strategic Moves

The Padayatra concept emerged from a strategic meeting held on August 4 in Belagavi, attended by key leaders including Basangouda Patil Yatnal, Ramesh Jarkiholi, Kumar Bangarappa, and Pratap Simha.

While the BJP recently conducted a Padayatra from Bengaluru to Mysuru addressing the MUDA issue, many party leaders now believe the focus should shift to alleged financial misappropriations within the Valmiki Corporation. This is underscored by the Chief Minister's own acknowledgment of the misappropriation in the state assembly. The leaders argue that highlighting this issue, particularly since it pertains to the ST corporation, could serve as a strong counterattack against the Congress in the North Karnataka-Kalyana Karnataka region.

They assert that if this financial misappropriation case is pursued effectively, it could potentially shake Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's chair, given his additional role as Finance Minister.

The proposed route—from Kudala Sangama to Ballari—holds particular significance. Ballari is the home constituency of B. Nagendra, the former Minister of ST Welfare who resigned amidst corruption allegations.

Meanwhile, the leaders decided to hold another meeting in Bengaluru on August 21, signaling the leaders’ intent to consolidate their strategy.

However, the dynamics are complicated by internal party tensions. Yatnal’s critical stance towards BS Yediyurappa and his son, state president BY Vijayendra, raises concerns about factionalism. The prospect of a Padayatra led by Yatnal’s faction could create a parallel power structure within the party, potentially challenging the state leadership.

A senior BJP leader told Deccan Chronicle, "The Padayatra could indeed energize the party, boosting the morale of workers and generating media coverage and public discussions and debate on the financial misappropriation. The challenge lies in determining its execution."

"It is well known that the Yatnal is a strong critic of Vijayendra. His team aims to draw the party high command’s attention to pressing state issues that require priority like the financial misappropriation in Valmiki corporation. Although they too know that the Padayatra cannot proceed without securing the support of everyone, including state president Vijayendra, they also want to emphasise that senior party leaders should not be overlooked," he said.

For the BJP, the Padayatra represents a strategic opportunity to regain ground in North Karnataka and Kalyana Karnataka, especially with impending by-elections in Shiggaon and Sandur—vacant after the elevation of BJP's Basavaraj Bommai and Congress Party's E. Thukaram to Parliament. Additionally, with local administration elections approaching, the Padayatra could serve as a vital platform to reinforce the party's base in this region.

The party may also include other issues like Yadgir Sub-Inspector Parashuram's death, before which Congress MLA and his son had allegedly demanded Rs 30 lakh to cancel his transfer.

Also, the BJP leaders could use this Padayatra to question the silence of AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, who hails from the Kalyana Karnataka region, on all these issues.

The central question remains: Who will lead the Padayatra? While traditional party discipline would assign leadership to the party president, the event's origination from Yatnal’s faction introduces potential complications. The high command’s decision will be crucial in determining whether the leadership will be consolidated under a unified banner or whether a leader not identified with any faction or a Union Minister from Karnataka will play a pivotal role.

Sources suggest that BJP leaders in Karnataka are expected in Delhi on August 19 for crucial discussions. The outcomes of these discussions will likely shape the party’s strategy moving forward, influencing its internal dynamics and external political posture.