Karnataka BJP Imposes Gag Order on JD(S) Alliance Discussions
In a significant move to curb internal dissent, the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) core committee in Karnataka issued a strict directive on Thursday, instructing all party functionaries to refrain from making any public statements regarding the party's alliance with the Janata Dal (Secular) or JD(S). This decision comes amidst escalating tensions and a public war of words between senior leaders from both parties over the potential chief ministerial candidate for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Karnataka ahead of the 2028 assembly elections.
Yediyurappa's Call for Independent Rule Sparks Controversy
Earlier on Thursday, during the BJP's state executive meeting, former Chief Minister and party stalwart BS Yediyurappa made a bold appeal to party workers. He urged them to strive for the BJP to form the government independently in the 2028 elections, without relying on alliances. This statement carries considerable weight as senior functionaries from both the BJP and JD(S) have previously hinted that their political tie-up might extend through the 2028 electoral cycle.
Despite the BJP having held office for two terms in Karnataka, the party has never secured a majority on its own. Yediyurappa himself became Chief Minister with the support of independents or defectors through the controversial 'Operation Lotus'. The 82-year-old political veteran, who was recently honored for completing 50 years in public service, affirmed his continued active role in politics. He stated, "God willing, I can tour the state for another five or six years. I am ready to come wherever you want me to work for the party."
Congress Government Faces Scathing Criticism
Simultaneously, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and BJP National General Secretary Radhamohan Das Agarwal launched a fierce attack on the incumbent Congress government. They accused it of rampant corruption and severe governance failures. Shekhawat, who inaugurated the state executive meeting, expressed strong confidence that the BJP would secure a majority in the 2028 elections. He emphasized that the gathering was not merely an organizational event but also a platform for deep introspection and assessment of the party's strategies.
Shekhawat alleged that Karnataka had "become corrupt and financially bankrupt" under Congress rule, pointing to various alleged scams and financial irregularities over the past 1,000 days since the party took office. Agarwal further escalated the criticism by accusing the Congress administration of being "corrupt and discriminatory." He claimed that Muslims were being given preferential opportunities compared to Scheduled Castes, a charge that adds a communal dimension to the political discourse.
Core Committee Focuses on Upcoming Elections
The core committee meeting, which followed the state executive session, was attended by key figures including State President BY Vijayendra, BS Yediyurappa, and Radhamohan Das Agarwal. The committee resolved to promptly initiate the candidate selection process for the upcoming bypolls to the Bagalkot and Davanagere South assembly seats, as well as for the MLC (Member of Legislative Council) elections.
A senior BJP MLA and core committee member disclosed, "We will shortlist the candidates for both assembly bypolls and MLC polls soon. The central party leadership will take the final decision on the selections." This move underscores the BJP's strategic focus on strengthening its electoral machinery ahead of crucial contests.
The state executive meeting saw participation from approximately 1,250 functionaries, highlighting the party's extensive organizational reach in Karnataka. The gag order on alliance talks, combined with Yediyurappa's independent government push and the sharp criticism of Congress, sets the stage for intense political maneuvering as Karnataka gears up for the 2028 elections.
