Bidar: The BJP's efforts to address the contentious Waqf property issue are being overshadowed by internal dissent, with Bijaypur MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal’s ‘Jana Jagruti Samavesha’ campaign exposing fissures within the party’s Karnataka unit.
The Bijapur MLA’s unilateral approach has drawn criticism from senior leaders, raising questions about discipline and unity in the state BJP.
Yatnal, who brought the Waqf land issue to the forefront in Karnataka, garnered attention when farmers alleged their lands were wrongly listed as Waqf property. His campaign inspired similar protests across Karnataka, prompting the BJP state leadership to organize demonstrations in district headquarters. Yatnal's protest in Vijayapura even attracted the attention of the JPC on Waqf chairperson, who visited the protest site.
Now, Yatnal and his allies, including leaders like Ramesh Jarkiholi and Aravind Limbavali, initiated protests in various district headquarters on the Waqf issue. The campaign began in Bidar district today.
However, his move has caused friction within the party.
Yatnal's team has often been at odds with the faction led by state BJP president BY Vijayendra. Earlier, while Vijayendra organized a padayatra against MUDA policies, Yatnal proposed a march against alleged irregularities in the Valmiki Corporation to Ballari. Intervention from the Central leaders resulted in Yatnal's team not continuing with the plan.
The current Waqf protests have further strained relations. BJP banners lacked mentions or photos of prominent state leaders, sparking outrage. In Dharmapur village, Bidar, tensions flared as there were heated arguments between Yatnal’s supporters with those of local MLA Beldale, with arguments escalating into near-physical altercations.
Meanwhile, State BJP general secretary P Rajeev criticized Yatnal’s actions, stating that the campaign lacked approval from state or national leaders, violating party protocol.
“The BJP is a disciplined party. Decisions are taken by the state president after consulting the core committee. Personal actions that disregard party rules cannot be considered part of the BJP’s program,” he said.
Rajeev pointed out that Yatnal did not seek permission from national, state, or district leaders for his campaign, thereby making it a personal initiative rather than an official party movement.
"Efforts were made to address the issue at the state level, but he refused to cooperate. The matter would be reported to the national leadership," he said.
He reiterated that the BJP does not support unauthorized campaigns that contravene its disciplined structure.
