Shivamogga (Karnataka), Feb 3 (PTI) – Karnataka BJP President B Y Vijayendra remains optimistic about his tenure, even as internal discord continues to simmer within the party. Addressing reporters on Monday, he expressed confidence in retaining his leadership position and anticipated a favorable outcome in the state presidential elections.
Acknowledging the internal conflicts, Vijayendra admitted that the party had suffered significant "damage" due to factional disputes. His remarks come at a time when a faction led by Bijapur City MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal and Gokak MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi is expected to meet the party high command in New Delhi, signaling a deepening rift within the state BJP unit.
"BJP upholds internal democracy. Organisational elections within the party, from the mandal level to the national president polls, are conducted systematically as per the directives of our national leadership," Vijayendra asserted.
Despite the internal strife, he emphasized that the party had remained united in its opposition to the "corrupt and evil" Congress government over the past year. "The people of the state, party workers, legislators, and leaders know how I have performed as the state president in my tenure. I am confident that, with the support of all, I will continue in my role and further strengthen the party," he said.
In response to the growing opposition, Vijayendra acknowledged that competition for the district BJP president posts had intensified, leading to discontent among some senior leaders who aspired for the state president’s role. "The central leadership is closely observing the developments. I am confident that everything will turn out well, and we will witness a happy ending," he added.
When questioned about Yatnal’s public criticism and its impact on the party, Vijayendra conceded that considerable damage had already been inflicted. "Enough damage has already been done. In a week or ten days, we will have clarity on who will be the next state president. I am confident that things will settle positively," he said.
Despite the ongoing opposition, Vijayendra maintained that he had refrained from making public remarks against any party members over the past year, even as he faced continuous criticism. "I am fully aware of my responsibilities as state president and have successfully shouldered this significant duty for a year," he stated.
As the Karnataka BJP navigates its internal turmoil, all eyes remain on the party high command’s decision, which will ultimately determine the future course of the state unit’s leadership.
Acknowledging the internal conflicts, Vijayendra admitted that the party had suffered significant "damage" due to factional disputes. His remarks come at a time when a faction led by Bijapur City MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal and Gokak MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi is expected to meet the party high command in New Delhi, signaling a deepening rift within the state BJP unit.
"BJP upholds internal democracy. Organisational elections within the party, from the mandal level to the national president polls, are conducted systematically as per the directives of our national leadership," Vijayendra asserted.
Despite the internal strife, he emphasized that the party had remained united in its opposition to the "corrupt and evil" Congress government over the past year. "The people of the state, party workers, legislators, and leaders know how I have performed as the state president in my tenure. I am confident that, with the support of all, I will continue in my role and further strengthen the party," he said.
Leadership Challenges and Internal Criticism
Vijayendra, who was appointed as the Karnataka BJP chief in November 2023, has faced strong opposition from several senior party leaders. His leadership style and elevation to the position have been a source of contention, with vocal critics like Yatnal and Jarkiholi accusing him of "adjustment politics" with the ruling Congress. They have also criticized him and his father, senior BJP leader B S Yediyurappa, for allegedly attempting to maintain a stronghold over the party.In response to the growing opposition, Vijayendra acknowledged that competition for the district BJP president posts had intensified, leading to discontent among some senior leaders who aspired for the state president’s role. "The central leadership is closely observing the developments. I am confident that everything will turn out well, and we will witness a happy ending," he added.
Discontent Over Organisational Elections
The faction led by Yatnal has raised concerns over the transparency of the organisational polls, voicing their disapproval of Vijayendra's continuation as state president. They have hinted at fielding a candidate against him, further complicating the leadership tussle within the Karnataka BJP.When questioned about Yatnal’s public criticism and its impact on the party, Vijayendra conceded that considerable damage had already been inflicted. "Enough damage has already been done. In a week or ten days, we will have clarity on who will be the next state president. I am confident that things will settle positively," he said.
Despite the ongoing opposition, Vijayendra maintained that he had refrained from making public remarks against any party members over the past year, even as he faced continuous criticism. "I am fully aware of my responsibilities as state president and have successfully shouldered this significant duty for a year," he stated.
As the Karnataka BJP navigates its internal turmoil, all eyes remain on the party high command’s decision, which will ultimately determine the future course of the state unit’s leadership.
