Amid the growing factional feuds in the BJP in Karnataka, the state party president B.Y. Vijayendra said that there would be major political developments in the ruling Congress over the next few months.
“I expect major political developments in the Congress party. On one hand, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is claiming that he will abide by the party high command’s diktat. But his supporters are flying to Delhi to give a strong message to the party leadership that they would go their own way if the party tries to replace their leader Siddaramaiah,” said Vijayendra, adding that there was a fierce competition for the CM's chair.
The BJP leader stated that though many senior leaders were batting for Siddaramaiah, they were not in his favour as they too were aspirants for the top post. Vijayendra was referring to Siddaramaiah’s loyalist ministers PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi and Cooperation Minister K.N. Rajanna and Home Minister G. Parameshwara who have been holding meetings with central leaders in Delhi, trying to convince them to appoint a new Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president.
The Siddaramaiah camp is keen to dislodge Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar as the KPCC chief as he is the CM-in-waiting and the senior leaders are hoping to diminish his stature and keep a level playing field for the contenders for the CM’s post if and when the party decides to replace Siddaramaiah.
“Siddaramaiah will remain the chief minister for the full term of five years as we all elected him as the ruling party leader for a full term. We are not aware of any power sharing agreement,” Parameshwara said.
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Siddaramaiah’s son and MLC Dr Yathindra maintained that there has been “no discussion” on replacing the chief minister in the party forum.
When asked about the infighting and rebellion within the state BJP, Vijayendra tried to downplay the issue saying the friction had subsided over the last one week. However, when the reporters pointed out that a show-cause notice has been issued to Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal by the central disciplinary committee, he said, “The notice has been issued and it has been replied to. The central leaders will take a call on it. For now, the most important task for all the BJP leaders including myself, is to fight against the corrupt Congress government that is causing distress to the people of Karnataka with their price hike in all sectors and services.”
On the election of the new state chief, Vijayendra said the party leadership would decide if the party chief needs to be elected or re-elected. “The party has appointed new state chiefs in only 10 states. In Karnataka we have completed elections and elected 25 district presidents and the remaining will be completed soon,” he added.
The rebel faction led by Yatnal has been demanding for replacing Vijayendra as the state chief accusing him of corruption and having truck with the Congress leaders.