Vijayendra or no Vijayendra, BJP unity may still prove elusive in Karnataka
Vijayendra's elevation was seen as a move to keep his father and Lingayat strongman BS Yediyurappa engaged. But a source said: "It has deepened the generational divide. Many seniors feel they are being sidelined, and they are not hiding their resentment anymore. Whether Yediyurappa still commands the same support of the Lingayat community is a million-dollar question."
Discontent spiked after Vijayapura legislator Basanagouda Patil Yatnal was expelled for criticising the party brass, but an MLA from the anti-Yediyurappa camp said the fire of discontentment is still raging.
"Several MLAs and former ministers feel the party is being run like a private company," the legislator said. "Vijayendra's stint so far has been insignificant. The party did not get desired results in the Lok Sabha polls under his watch.
Members are also upset that decisions are being taken unilaterally."
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Former deputy CM KS Eshwarappa has also repeatedly criticised the state unit, insisting BJP is being "hijacked by a small group".
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"If things don't change, many will be forced to explore other options," he said.
Both Eshwarappa and Yatnal have hinted at forming a separate outfit, and it may take shape if Vijayendra continues as state chief. Though such a move may have limited statewide impact, it could hurt BJP in key constituencies.
BJP's high command has not taken a public stance, but party sources confirm that deliberations are on. Union minister V Somanna, former minister Murugesh Nirani, and BJP MP Ramesh Katti are being considered as possible replacements.
"It's not just about who comes in. It's about how to handle Yediyurappa and his support base," said political analyst Vishwas Shetty. "It is said Yediyurappa has gone into isolation and is not talking to anyone as he awaits BJP leadership's decision."
Congress, buoyed by its 2023 assembly victory, is watching closely. One member said: "They used to accuse Congress of dynasty politics. Now their entire state unit is run by one family.
The party is in complete chaos, and people are watching."
A senior Congress strategist added that the party is eyeing expansion in BJP strongholds in north Karnataka. "With Yediyurappa's influence waning and internal fights erupting, we see a golden opportunity to build a footprint," he said.
Yet, some political thinkers see merit in backing Vijayendra. Prof Harish Ramaswamy said "unity in division and divided opinions and factions" have been a "hallmark" of BJP.
"For a party which needs a generational shift in leadership, it cannot but inevitably afford Vijayendra," said Ramaswamy. "He is young, has a lineage, belongs to a forward community — one that has numbers. He is articulate. Knows politics by internship and practice .
"
Ramaswamy said Vijayendra would need to sharpen his skills while experience would make him wiser. "Parliamentary practice will help him," he said. "He should learn from his father the art of taking partymen along.
Shifting leaders often can only breed more factions, thus causing election defeats for a party struggling to establish itself in southern India."
Still, many within the party believe that the deeper issue goes beyond leadership. "Vijayendra or no Vijayendra, the unit is no longer united — and that's the real crisis."
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He (Vijayendra) should learn from his father the art of taking partymen along. Shifting leaders often can only breed more factions, thus causing election defeats for a party struggling to establish itself in southern India
-Prof Harish Ramaswamy, political analyst
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