Internal Rifts Emerge in Karnataka BJP Over Chief Ministerial Face for 2028
While the governing Congress party in Karnataka continues to grapple with internal disputes over leadership positions, a parallel conflict is now unfolding within the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its alliance partner, the Janata Dal (Secular). This brewing tussle centers on the crucial question of who will be projected as the chief ministerial candidate for the 2028 state assembly elections.
Divisions Within BJP Over BY Vijayendra's Candidacy
A significant faction within the Karnataka BJP is actively advocating for state president BY Vijayendra to be declared the party's chief ministerial face. This group argues that with a series of elections scheduled over the next two years, including bypolls and local body contests, the timing is ideal to solidify leadership ahead of the 2028 polls.
"These back-to-back elections are ideal preparation for the 2028 assembly polls," stated Shantha Gouda T Patil, president of the BJP's Bagalkot district unit. "Since it is certain we will win a majority on our own, it is the right time to talk about BJP's CM face. People's opinion is that Vijayendra, the state president, is the natural choice."
However, this push is being met with resistance from a rival camp within the party. The debate has intensified following the appointment of Nitin Nabin as the BJP's national president, which has spurred discussions about state-level positions and strategy.
Senior Leaders Downplay Speculation, Emphasize Central Leadership
In contrast to the vocal advocacy from some quarters, senior BJP members have sought to temper the speculation. Aravind Bellad, deputy leader of the opposition in the legislative assembly, emphasized the party's hierarchical decision-making process.
"Ours is a national party with strong leadership at the Centre. Central brass will decide on who will lead," Bellad remarked, highlighting that ultimate authority rests with the party's national leadership.
This sentiment was echoed by Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, leader of the opposition in the legislative council, who stated, "As for who should be the CM face, it is natural that our party candidate will be chief minister if we win 113 seats (simple majority)." His comments underscore the party's focus on securing a majority independently.
Growing Skepticism Over BJP-JD(S) Alliance
Simultaneously, the continuation of the alliance with the JD(S) is facing increased scrutiny within BJP ranks. During a recent meeting focused on the Greater Bengaluru elections, attended by observers led by party veteran Ram Madhav, a significant section of functionaries reportedly argued against maintaining the alliance.
This faction believes that the BJP stands a fair chance of securing a majority on its own in the current political climate, and that continuing the partnership with JD(S) may not be politically prudent. The decision, however, remains in the hands of the national leadership, as noted by Narayanaswamy.
JD(S) Aims to Revive Statewide Presence Amid Alliance Uncertainty
The internal BJP discussions gain added significance amid growing speculation about Union minister and JD(S) state president HD Kumaraswamy potentially emerging as the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) chief ministerial face. The regional party is actively working to revive its pan-Karnataka presence by strengthening its grassroots connections.
JD(S) has planned a mega Jana Samavesha rally in Vijayapura on February 27, followed by another rally in Bengaluru on March 8, signaling its intent to reassert its influence across the state.
Kumaraswamy recently chaired a JD(S) meeting to review preparations for the Greater Bengaluru polls, where he clarified that the BJP-JD(S) alliance remains intact. He also dismissed discussions about the CM face as premature, focusing instead on the broader objective of dislodging the Congress government.
"All that Kumaraswamy said is that the main objective is to dislodge the corrupt Congress govt. As for an alliance for local bodies polls, brass in BJP and JD(S) will take a call after consulting state functionaries," explained KA Tippeswamy, JD(S) election coordinator.
Upcoming Elections Set the Stage for 2028
The BJP is scheduled to hold a state executive meeting on Thursday to strategize for the upcoming bypolls in Davanagere South and Bagalkot assembly seats, as well as elections to local bodies, including the Greater Bengaluru corporations and panchayats. These contests are viewed as critical testing grounds ahead of the 2028 assembly elections.
As both the BJP and JD(S) navigate these internal and alliance dynamics, the political landscape in Karnataka remains fluid, with leadership questions and partnership strategies poised to shape the opposition's approach in the coming years.
