K'taka Bypoll Debacle: BJP’s organizational and strategic failures spark leadership questions

Bengaluru: The BJP’s Karnataka unit is under scrutiny for its failure to mount a robust, well-planned opposition against the Congress government, which has faced significant anti-incumbency sentiment within just 18 months of coming to power. This organizational and strategic lapse has led to widespread questions about the party’s leadership both within and outside its ranks.

The BJP has reportedly attributed its defeat in the by-elections to voter rejection of family politics. However, this stance has also cast a shadow on the party’s state president, B.Y. Vijayendra. Critics within the party, who were already vocal against Vijayendra’s leadership, now appear to be gaining momentum. This has fueled ongoing discussions about a possible leadership overhaul in December.

Candidate Selection Woes

In Shiggaon, one of the constituencies contested during the by-elections, the BJP fielded Bharath Bommai, son of former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai. This decision angered party workers, who criticized the BJP for prioritizing “wealth and family connections” over merit. The selective criticism of dynastic politics by the BJP has drawn flak both from within and outside the party.

Missed Opportunity in Channapatna

In Channapatna, BJP’s leaders, particularly those from the Vokkaliga community, had pushed for C.P. Yogeeshwara to be given the ticket. Despite high command approval, the party ultimately conceded to Kumaraswamy’s influence. Analysts believe that had Yogeeshwara contested and won, he could have emerged as a key alternative Vokkaliga leader for the BJP in the Old Mysuru region. This missed opportunity has left several BJP leaders dissatisfied.

The setbacks have intensified internal deliberations, with leaders urging the party to revisit its strategies and strengthen its grassroots organizational structure ahead of future elections.