The growing rift between former allies Janardhan Reddy and B. Sriramulu has set off alarm bells within the BJP, particularly in Kalyana Karnataka, where the party is still reeling from its defeat to the Congress in the last parliamentary elections.
Once a powerful duo credited with fortifying the BJP in Ballari and surrounding regions, the relationship between Reddy and Sriramulu has deteriorated over the years due to legal troubles, shifting political dynamics, and personal ambitions.
From Dominance to Division
The alliance began to unravel after Reddy faced multiple corruption charges, leading to his arrest and a court-imposed ban on entering Ballari. This left Sriramulu to lead the BJP in the district, where he rose as a strong Valmiki community leader. However, Reddy’s recent return to Ballari, after the court lifted his restrictions, has reignited tensions between the two leaders. Once complementary forces within the BJP, their rivalry now threatens to destabilize the party’s presence in the region.
Core Committee Meeting Deepens the Rift
The latest flashpoint in their feud was triggered during a core committee meeting chaired by BJP in-charge Radha Mohan Singh Agarwal. He reportedly blamed Sriramulu for the BJP’s defeat in the Sandur by-polls. This public criticism angered Sriramulu, who accused Reddy of spreading false rumors about him to the party high command. In response, Sriramulu announced plans to meet senior BJP leaders to present his side of the story, intensifying speculation about his future within the party.
Power Struggle in Ballari
The fallout between Reddy and Sriramulu has created significant uncertainty among BJP workers in the region. For years, Reddy’s financial influence and Sriramulu’s grassroots popularity made them a formidable team. However, their power struggle is now dividing party workers and weakening the BJP’s already fragile hold in Kalyana Karnataka, especially Ballari.
“Can two lions coexist in the same forest? That is the situation between Reddy and Sriramulu now,” said a senior BJP leader.
Initially, Reddy was the financial powerhouse, and Sriramulu stood by him. But Reddy’s arrest created a vacuum and allowed Sriramulu to emerge as a strong Valmiki community leader in Ballari. Even after Reddy’s release, the court’s restrictions prevented him from entering Ballari. Meanwhile, Sriramulu consolidated his hold over the region. Now, with Reddy’s return, a power clash seems inevitable.
“Both leaders are equally influential now. This adds to the existing confusion within the BJP, especially with the ongoing tussle between state president Vijayendra and Bijapur MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal. The party leadership is aware of the situation but is not rushing to resolve it since there are no imminent elections in the region. They will address the issue at the right time,” the leader added.
Sriramulu’s Political History
Sriramulu’s political journey adds another layer to the crisis. In 2013, he left the BJP to form the BSR Congress Party, which contested 176 seats in the state assembly elections and won four. However, its limited impact led Sriramulu to return to the BJP ahead of the 2018 elections, where he played a critical role in consolidating the party’s position among the Valmiki community, a key population in Ballari and nearby districts.
Congress Keeps a Close Watch
The Congress, which has been gaining ground in Kalyana Karnataka, appears ready to capitalize on the BJP’s internal rift. Party insiders suggest that a faction dissatisfied with B Nagendra, a strong Valmiki community leader in Congress, is open to bringing Sriramulu into their fold. With this move, they want to silence the BJP as well as Nagendra’s team.
BJP Leaders Cautious About Losing Sriramulu
The BJP leadership is reportedly keen to avoid losing Sriramulu, recognizing the damage it could cause to the party’s image in the region. With the BJP already struggling in Kalyana Karnataka, retaining Sriramulu is seen as crucial to maintaining its voter base among the Valmiki community.
Central Leadership’s Next Steps
Despite the brewing crisis, BJP’s central leadership seems in no rush to intervene. With the Delhi Assembly elections currently taking priority, senior leaders are expected to address the situation in Karnataka only after the elections conclude. Observers believe the party will attempt to broker a truce between Reddy and Sriramulu to avoid further divisions.
Implications for BJP’s Future
The power struggle in Ballari highlights the challenges the BJP faces in managing its regional leaders in politically sensitive areas like Kalyana Karnataka. While the rivalry between Reddy and Sriramulu may seem localized, its impact could extend far beyond the region.
