NEW DELHI: The BJP central leadership has intervened to address internal discord in its Karnataka unit, which has been plagued by factionalism. The party, which has governed the only southern state under its rule, believes it has failed to effectively exploit anti-incumbency sentiments against the Congress government despite months of public leadership tussles that have hampered governance.
Unity Emphasized at Meetings
In a series of meetings with party functionaries, including MPs, MLAs, and organizational office-bearers, BJP president Nitin Nabin stressed the need for unity. “His main message was that everyone should work together in the party’s interests and set aside any qualms over anyone’s senior or junior status in view of upcoming challenges,” a party functionary said, describing Nabin as hands-on and accessible.
Focus on Upcoming Elections
After losing two recent assembly bypolls to the Congress, the BJP is keen to make a mark in the upcoming local body elections, including for the prestigious Greater Bengaluru Authority. The party aims to build a winning narrative ahead of the 2028 state assembly polls.
Karnataka presents unique challenges for the party, which have been accentuated after former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, the party’s tallest state leader, withdrew from electoral politics. His younger son, Vijayendra, was made state BJP president in November 2023, but a section of senior party functionaries has been less than happy with his stewardship.
Leadership Transition and Internal Tensions
While the party has elected presidents in most states after its membership drive, a customary exercise has not been completed in Karnataka as the national brass navigates claims and counterclaims while seeking to maintain a fine balance. Though Yediyurappa, the state’s tallest Lingayat face, often faced challenges from within the BJP, his stature and political dexterity helped him keep them at bay.
Last year, the BJP was forced to expel Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, a vocal critic of Yediyurappa who grew increasingly vocal after Vijayendra took the party’s helm. The party also threw out two more MLAs for not voting for its candidate in the Rajya Sabha election, a defiance almost unthinkable in its other state units.
Broader Southern Push
With the party’s footprint in north, west, and east India now wider than ever, it is making a push in south India, where four states are governed by opposition parties while its ally TDP is the dominant party in Andhra Pradesh.
