The infighting in Karnataka BJP is sure to be a cause for concern to the central leadership. On Monday, the central disciplinary committee served a show-cause notice to BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal for repeatedly criticising state BJP president BY Vijayendra and former chief minister BS Yediyurappa.
The rebel faction led by Yatnal has been mobilising support to dislodge Vijayendra from the party chief's post alleging that he is indulging in corruption and "adjustment politics" with the Congress leaders.
The Yatnal faction has gained the support of senior leaders both in Delhi and in the state and is demanding that the party hold internal elections as Vijayendra was appointed and not elected.
Last time, the disciplinary committee had slapped a show-cause and Yatnal has given assurances that all issues would be resolved within the party forum. However, the rebel leaders continue to frequent Delhi, hold separate meetings with senior leaders, MPs and ministers and make public statements challenging the state chief.
This time, the committee has given three days' time to reply, following which the party high command is likely to take stringent action to curb the rebellion or perhaps pick a "consensus" candidate to lead the party, say party insiders.
Even as senior leaders have cautioned the party against growing factionalism turning into a major hurdle to the party's performance in the 2028 Assembly polls, the rift is now wide open, with leaders and cadres openly picking sides.
The Vijayendra faction has been demanding strict action against the "dissidents" for the sake of the party's unity and stability. The Yatnal faction is keen on holding internal elections, hoping to prove Vijayendra neither enjoys the majority support within the party, nor the backing of the Lingayat community like his father did.
A resolution is expected in February, claims both the warring factions. But the dearth of a strong leadership after veteran leader and Lingayat strongman Yediyurappa stepped down as the chief minister in 2021 continues to haunt a faction-ridden party struggling to keep its house in order.
