Factional Rift Deepens in BJP Karnataka: Yatnal and Supporters Call for Vijayendra's Removal
Kalaburagi (Karnataka), Feb 4 (PTI) — The internal turmoil within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka intensified on Monday as senior legislator Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, leading a faction of party leaders, called for the removal of B Y Vijayendra from the position of state unit president. Yatnal, who represents Bijapur City in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, emphasized that their struggle was not motivated by a desire for positions, but rather by a commitment to "cleanse" the party from corruption and nepotism.
In a pointed attack, Yatnal accused Vijayendra and his father, former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, of indulging in nepotism and running the party with a focus on family control. "The fight is to keep the party free from corruption and dynasty politics," he stated, adding that he had no personal aspirations for leadership. His criticism of the Yediyurappa family was unequivocal, as he argued that the BJP needed to distance itself from "dynastic politics."
Yatnal's faction, including notable leaders like Ramesh Jarkiholi and Kumar Bangarappa, has already taken their grievances to the national capital, where they are meeting with top party leaders. According to sources, Bangarappa had a meeting with B L Santosh, the party’s national general secretary (organization), while Jarkiholi was in talks with BJP president J P Nadda and other senior leaders.
Yatnal appeared confident in his group’s strategy, telling reporters, “All national leaders have given us time for a meeting, so don’t worry. Would we go without a plan? Are we mad? Everything will be sorted out if Vijayendra goes.” He further emphasized the importance of addressing three core issues with the party high command: removing the corrupt family from leadership, steering the party away from dynastic control, and ensuring that BJP leadership aligns with Hindutva values.
Accusing Vijayendra of engaging in "adjustment politics" with the Congress party, Yatnal reiterated that his faction’s opposition was rooted in the desire to restore integrity within the BJP, not to secure any political position for himself. He remarked, “If Vijayendra is reappointed as president, I will demand a position for my son, just like the Yediyurappa family has done.”
The controversy surrounding Vijayendra’s leadership began after his appointment as the Karnataka BJP president in November 2023. His elevation has sparked dissent among several senior party members, with Yatnal and Jarkiholi among the most vocal critics. They have accused Vijayendra of prioritizing family interests and undermining the party’s principles.
Despite the ongoing discord, Vijayendra remains steadfast in his position, expressing optimism about his tenure and the upcoming party elections. "I am confident of continuing to helm the state unit," he said, hoping for a "happy ending" following the state presidential polls. However, Yatnal dismissed this as rhetoric and insisted, "Let the election happen. There is democracy; we will not back down."
Yatnal also claimed that six months ago, Vijayendra had sent a three-member delegation to negotiate with him, offering to recommend his name for a national position in the party. Yatnal rejected the proposal, asserting that Vijayendra, who is fluent in English, was better suited for national politics, while he preferred to stay focused on Karnataka.
As the BJP's organizational elections loom, the outcome of this internal rift will be closely watched, with the battle for party leadership continuing to unfold. The factional conflict highlights the growing dissatisfaction within the party and the ongoing struggle for control in the face of rising concerns over nepotism and governance issues.
Kalaburagi (Karnataka), Feb 4 (PTI) — The internal turmoil within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka intensified on Monday as senior legislator Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, leading a faction of party leaders, called for the removal of B Y Vijayendra from the position of state unit president. Yatnal, who represents Bijapur City in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, emphasized that their struggle was not motivated by a desire for positions, but rather by a commitment to "cleanse" the party from corruption and nepotism.
In a pointed attack, Yatnal accused Vijayendra and his father, former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, of indulging in nepotism and running the party with a focus on family control. "The fight is to keep the party free from corruption and dynasty politics," he stated, adding that he had no personal aspirations for leadership. His criticism of the Yediyurappa family was unequivocal, as he argued that the BJP needed to distance itself from "dynastic politics."
Yatnal's faction, including notable leaders like Ramesh Jarkiholi and Kumar Bangarappa, has already taken their grievances to the national capital, where they are meeting with top party leaders. According to sources, Bangarappa had a meeting with B L Santosh, the party’s national general secretary (organization), while Jarkiholi was in talks with BJP president J P Nadda and other senior leaders.
Yatnal appeared confident in his group’s strategy, telling reporters, “All national leaders have given us time for a meeting, so don’t worry. Would we go without a plan? Are we mad? Everything will be sorted out if Vijayendra goes.” He further emphasized the importance of addressing three core issues with the party high command: removing the corrupt family from leadership, steering the party away from dynastic control, and ensuring that BJP leadership aligns with Hindutva values.
Accusing Vijayendra of engaging in "adjustment politics" with the Congress party, Yatnal reiterated that his faction’s opposition was rooted in the desire to restore integrity within the BJP, not to secure any political position for himself. He remarked, “If Vijayendra is reappointed as president, I will demand a position for my son, just like the Yediyurappa family has done.”
The controversy surrounding Vijayendra’s leadership began after his appointment as the Karnataka BJP president in November 2023. His elevation has sparked dissent among several senior party members, with Yatnal and Jarkiholi among the most vocal critics. They have accused Vijayendra of prioritizing family interests and undermining the party’s principles.
Despite the ongoing discord, Vijayendra remains steadfast in his position, expressing optimism about his tenure and the upcoming party elections. "I am confident of continuing to helm the state unit," he said, hoping for a "happy ending" following the state presidential polls. However, Yatnal dismissed this as rhetoric and insisted, "Let the election happen. There is democracy; we will not back down."
Yatnal also claimed that six months ago, Vijayendra had sent a three-member delegation to negotiate with him, offering to recommend his name for a national position in the party. Yatnal rejected the proposal, asserting that Vijayendra, who is fluent in English, was better suited for national politics, while he preferred to stay focused on Karnataka.
As the BJP's organizational elections loom, the outcome of this internal rift will be closely watched, with the battle for party leadership continuing to unfold. The factional conflict highlights the growing dissatisfaction within the party and the ongoing struggle for control in the face of rising concerns over nepotism and governance issues.
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