Mangaluru: Following changes in the national office bearers, the Bharatiya Janata Party leaders in Karnataka are filled with optimism as they await the appointment of the new party president and the leader of the opposition.
According to internal discussions within the party, there are indications that a leader from the Vokkaliga community will likely be chosen as the state president, while a Lingayat community leader is expected to be appointed as the leader of the opposition in the Legislative Assembly. These two communities hold significant influence in Karnataka's political landscape.
The momentum for this development gained strength after Bandi Sanjay replaced Karnataka's CT Ravi as the national general secretary.
"Party leaders are already gearing up for the upcoming Parliament elections, and we anticipate the appointment of the state president to take place this week," revealed a senior party member who preferred to remain anonymous told Deccan Chronicle.
The name of CT Ravi, a prominent Vokkaliga leader, is at the forefront of the state president's position. His removal from the national team has fueled speculations, and some believe it might be related to his potential candidacy for this role.
Emphasizing the significance of the youth and caste factors in the forthcoming elections, the senior leader said, "Ravi's Vokkaliga background and leadership skills could play in favor of the party during the forthcoming parliament election. Another possible name for the position is Union Minister Shobha Krandlaje, also from the Vokkaliga community," the senior party leader added.
Meanwhile, there is growing talk about the leader of the opposition post, with leaders from the Lingayat community prominently featuring in the race. The names of Basangouda Patil Yatnal and former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai are making rounds.
The party workers and leaders want the central leadership to fill these posts at the earliest as it would help in preparing for the parliament election and also in fighting against the Congress government in the state.
