Tue Feb 04 21:37:10 IST 2025: **Karnataka BJP Rebels Demand State President’s Removal**
Bengaluru, February 4, 2025 – Rebel BJP leaders in Karnataka are intensifying their campaign to oust state party president B.Y. Vijayendra. Meeting with national party leaders in Delhi, prominent rebels Ramesh Jarkiholi and Basanagouda Patil Yatnal voiced their concerns. Jarkiholi, who met with BJP national president J.P. Nadda, stated that they would accept the high command’s decision. Yatnal, however, declared his willingness to contest for the state president’s post if a Lingayat consensus candidate is desired, and suggested other potential candidates from the SC and ST communities.
The rebels accuse Vijayendra of “compromise politics,” autocratic decision-making, and being overly close to Congress leaders. Yatnal specifically criticized the appointment of Vijayendra, son of veteran leader B.S. Yediyurappa, highlighting the hypocrisy of the party’s stance against dynastic politics and questioning the party’s commitment to Hindutva.
Vijayendra’s camp, however, remains defiant. M.P. Renukacharya challenged the rebels to unseat him, confidently predicting Vijayendra’s continued tenure as state president. A meeting is planned for Wednesday to assess the situation. The conflict underscores deep divisions within the Karnataka BJP, with the outcome pending the party high command’s decision.
First Piper 