Karnataka BJP Leaders Slam Vijayendra’s Leadership, Call for Change

Belagavi: In a fresh round of intra-party discord within the Bharatiya Janata Party, Gokak MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi and Bijaypur City MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal have openly expressed their dissatisfaction with the leadership of state president BY Vijayendra.

The open statement comes at a time when union Minister Shivaraj Singh Chauhan, the party's internal election in-charge for Karnataka is touring the state.

Jarkiholi and Yastnal, the outspoken leaders, aligned with the anti-Vijayendra faction of the party, made these remarks during a public event in Gokak and Vijayapura respectively, on Saturday.

The comments have since sparked a political storm, with the video of his statement going viral on social media.

Jarkiholi’s criticism of Vijayendra highlights a growing divide within the state BJP, as the party gears up for the elections of state party president. Jarkiholi took a direct swipe at Vijayendra’s leadership, stating that the latter was “unfit” to lead the party in the state.

“Vijayendra is a bachcha (child) and not eligible to become the state president,” he asserted.

While Jarkiholi vehemently opposes Vijayendra personally, he made it clear that his objection was not towards the position of state president but towards the individual holding it.

Jarkiholi’s call for change in the party leadership is seen as an appeal to the veteran BJP leadership, particularly BS Yediyurappa, to reconsider Vijayendra’s role.

"I would like Yediyurappa Ji to cooperate in selecting a new president to strengthen the party and help secure 130 seats," Jarkiholi said.

Despite his criticism of Vijayendra, Jarkiholi reaffirmed his respect for former Chief Minister and Vijayendra’s father, BS Yediyurappa. “I hold immense respect for Yediyurappa. He is our leader,” he said.

Responding to remarks about potential challenges in criticizing Vijayendra, Jarkiholi declared, “I accept the challenge. I will begin my tour from Shikaripura, Vijayendra’s hometown. I will come alone without a gunman or police protection. I have the strength to intimidate if needed, but I won’t, as that’s not my way of politics.”

Meanwhile, in Vijayapura, Yatnal joined the chorus against Vijayendra, leveling serious allegations.

“He is just a collection agent who sent his own revered father (BS Yediyurappa) to jail. What has he done for the party before becoming president?” Yatnal questioned.

Yatnal suggested a change in leadership was necessary to preserve the party’s image and credibility.

“We want to have a clean image for which we are thinking of fielding a candidate on our behalf. If he (Vijayendra) cannot handle the responsibility, he should resign. If we fail to deliver 130 seats under new leadership, we will step aside too,” Yatnal asserted.