Karnataka: BJP state prez Vijayendra complains to party high command against Yatnal

Bengaluru: Amid escalating factional disputes within the BJP, State President B.Y. Vijayendra rushed to Delhi and lodged a formal complaint against MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal’s faction with party in-charge Dr. Radha Mohan Agarwal. Vijayendra reportedly detailed recent developments in the state, including the by-poll defeat, while stressing the need for stricter internal control.

Arriving in Delhi late Friday night, Vijayendra sought meetings with BJP National President J.P. Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah but could only meet Agarwal. Vijayendra returned to Bengaluru on Saturday evening without securing appointments with Nadda or Shah.

Dismissing rumours of leadership changes, Vijayendra clarified that he did not request Yatnal’s expulsion but only conveyed key issues to concerned authorities. “Criticizing Yediyurappa for publicity is a mere illusion,” Vijayendra remarked.

Yatnal’s Faction Intensifies Campaign

Meanwhile, Yatnal’s faction held a massive rally in Teradal on Saturday and plans to convene another in Belagavi on Sunday. On December 3, the faction, including leaders like Arvind Limbavali, Kumar Bangarappa, and Pratap Simha, will visit Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) Chairman Jagdambika Pal to present their report on the Waqf issue and Bangarappa Committee findings.

Curiously, the JPC has sought details of Yatnal’s factional activities even before the BJP’s official state-wide campaign begins on December 4. Notably, Yatnal’s team has not sought meetings with any national BJP leaders, except the JPC.

Yatnal defended his stance, saying, “Our fight is against the Wakf Board, not against any party or individuals. While others host lavish conventions, we tour the state to address Wakf issues.”

High Command’s Stance Remains Unclear

The BJP high command has maintained silence on suspending Yatnal, despite closely monitoring the situation. Sources suggest that mediation efforts may begin only after January, given the ongoing organizational restructuring across the country.

Delhi Visit Likely Again

Amid these developments, Vijayendra may return to Delhi on Monday to meet Nadda and Shah. He is expected to press for action against Yatnal’s faction before the Belagavi Assembly session starting December 9. However, Vijayendra’s earlier attempts this month to meet senior leaders have yielded limited results.

Shobha Karandlaje or V. Somanna for Karnataka State Role?

Amid the factional divisions, a neutral group within the BJP is urging the high command to resolve the crisis. Discussions in Delhi have reportedly begun about appointing Union Ministers Shobha Karandlaje or V. Somanna for key roles in Karnataka to restore stability.