Rift in BJP Karnataka: Vijayendra, Yatnal Camps Clash

Mangaluru: The BJP’s defeat in the recent by-elections in Karnataka, losing all three contested seats, has only deepened the sense of crisis within the party. Still reeling from its defeat in the 2023 Assembly elections, the saffron party finds itself grappling with a more troubling challenge: internal discord that appears to have paralyzed its leadership and demoralized its workers.

While electoral victories and losses are part of politics, the timing of the BJP's internal strife—when the party is struggling to reclaim its footing—is particularly worrisome for its cadre. The growing factionalism, marked by a divide between state president BY Vijayendra and Bijapur MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal, has exposed cracks that workers fear could hinder the party’s long-term revival.

Despite denials from leaders, workers clearly see two camps within the party. Vijayendra, son of former CM BS Yediyurappa, is viewed as the inheritor of the Lingayat legacy, while Yatnal, also a Lingayat, is a strong Hindutva champion and remains defiant and unwilling to acknowledge Vijayendra’s authority. The rivalry has become less about competition and more about Yatnal’s refusal to “fall in line.”

“It is like two lions in one forest,” remarked a senior party leader. “Yatnal has always been associated with the anti-Yediyurappa faction, and Vijayendra’s appointment as state president did not sit well with him. He is not openly challenging Vijayendra but refuses to acknowledge his leadership, creating a parallel narrative within the party.”

The discord is playing out in visible ways. Yatnal’s faction has often distanced itself from Vijayendra-led initiatives, including the recent Padayatra against the MUDA scam. In response, Yatnal planned his own march against alleged corruption in the Valmiki Corporation—an effort that was reportedly stopped by senior leaders in Delhi. The divide has extended to key issues like Waqf property encroachments, with the two factions failing to present a united front and holding their own protests.

For Vijayendra, the recent by-election debacle has further dented his image as a strong leader. “The BJP’s success in parliamentary elections has largely been due to the Modi factor,” an insider explained. “But Vijayendra’s leadership has failed to consolidate the party at the state level. If he were truly effective, the BJP would not have lost in the by-election especially in Shiggaon, a Lingayat bastion and the constituency of former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai.”

Many workers feel the Congress government’s missteps—alleged corruption, rising prices, dissatisfaction with its guarantee schemes and unhappiness among the Congress leaders over lack of funds for developmental works—have provided ample opportunities for the BJP to rebuild. However, they feel such efforts require a strong strategy with united leadership.

“The high command seems to be observing,” the leader noted. “Yatnal may not align with Vijayendra, but he remains a staunch Hindutva proponent and enjoys considerable support both within and outside his constituency. Yediyurappa, despite stepping back, still enjoys immense goodwill among Lingayat seers and the cadre. The top leaders in Delhi seem to be seeing all these before taking any step," he added.

With no significant elections until 2028, the BJP has the luxury of time but cannot afford complacency. Party leaders feel that it is clear that the high command is weighing all options.

"A hasty decision might backfire, but there is an urgent need to bridge the divide between Vijayendra and Yatnal. The Congress government’s vulnerabilities are ripe for exploitation, but only a united BJP can capitalize on them. The party must focus on presenting a strong opposition to regain ground in Karnataka,” he added.