Bengaluru: Karnataka BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra has claimed that dissidence in the ruling Congress has reached a flashpoint, and that senior leaders and MLAs are set to rebel against Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
Interacting with reporters after Ayudha Puja celebrations at the BJP office in Bengaluru, Vijayendra said, "Mr. Shivakumar's political base is shaking due to various reasons. He is frustrated as senior Congress leaders and MLAs are set to raise a banner of revolt against him. Hence, the Chief Minister is repeatedly trying to point an accusing finger at the Centre to divert public attention."
He, however, ruled out any move by the BJP to remove the Congress government. "People have voted the BJP to be in opposition this time. We will continue to be in the opposition for the remaining term of one-and-a-half years. There is no need for the BJP to unseat this Congress government," he said.
Vijayendra alleged that the government had failed to handle the drought gripping Karnataka and that its administration was so poor that even physically challenged persons had come to the streets to demand social security pensions. He dropped hints that the BJP was open to changing its stance of boycotting the all-party delegation expected to visit Delhi to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi for drought relief, saying the party would decide after discussions.
On his meeting with expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal in Hubballi a few days ago, Vijayendra described it as an "unexpected meeting" in a common friend's house after both took part in a religious programme involving Jain monks. Asked if it meant he was trying to bring Yatnal back into the party, he said, "Let us wait and watch." Yatnal's expulsion followed his criticism of former chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa and Vijayendra, but some BJP leaders now argue he should return ahead of the 2028 Assembly polls.