BJP MLA S R Vishwanath and MP Sudhakar engaged in a public confrontation over the organization of the Kempegowda Jayanti event, highlighting internal fissures within the saffron party in Karnataka. The two leaders, known for their strained relationship, exchanged barbs openly, marking a significant escalation in their ongoing rivalry.
Turf War Over Event Planning
The dispute erupted over the arrangements and credit for the annual Kempegowda Jayanti celebrations, which honor the founder of Bengaluru. Vishwanath accused Sudhakar of sidelining him and taking undue credit for the event. According to Vishwanath, the MP had deliberately excluded him from planning meetings and public announcements.
Sudhakar, however, dismissed the allegations, stating that the event was organized with the cooperation of all party workers and that Vishwanath was making baseless claims for personal publicity. “The event is for the people, not for individual egos,” Sudhakar said, as quoted by DHNS.
Long-Standing Rivalry
The clash is the latest in a series of disagreements between the two BJP leaders. Sources within the party indicate that the animosity stems from competition over local influence and voter base. Both represent overlapping constituencies in Bengaluru, leading to frequent tussles over credit for development projects and public events.
Political analysts note that such infighting could hurt the BJP’s prospects in the upcoming local elections. “When leaders fight publicly, it sends a negative signal to voters and gives ammunition to opposition parties,” said a political commentator.
Party Leadership Urged to Intervene
Party workers have expressed concern over the public spat, urging the state and national leadership to step in and resolve the differences. Some have called for a clear division of responsibilities to avoid future conflicts. “We need unity to face the opposition. Internal fights only weaken us,” a local BJP functionary said on condition of anonymity.
Neither Vishwanath nor Sudhakar has indicated a willingness to back down, suggesting that the feud may continue to simmer unless the party leadership takes decisive action.
