Karnataka BJP Infighting Escalates as Rival Camps Push for Leadership Change

With the BJP’s organizational polls approaching in Karnataka, the power struggle within the state unit is reaching a boiling point. The faction led by MLA Basangouda Yatnal Patil has intensified its push against state BJP president B Y Vijayendra, even proposing an alternative leader.

The National camp has been stationed in Delhi for the past two days, lobbying the party’s high command for a leadership change. Meanwhile, the Vijayendra faction is preparing for a key meeting in Bengaluru on February 12 to strategize ahead of the state BJP chief’s election. Amidst this turmoil, former minister B Sriramulu has emerged as a surprise contender to replace Vijayendra, adding a new twist to the crisis.

“The high command will soon deliver good news,” former Union Minister G M Siddeswara announced in Delhi, flanked by Yatnal and Gokak MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi. When asked to clarify, he dodged specifics, fueling further speculation.

The Yatnal faction, reportedly aligned with BJP national general secretary (organization) B L Santhosh, has been pushing for Sriramulu’s elevation. Their efforts gained traction after Sriramulu’s fallout with Vijayendra during a core committee meeting in January.

On the other side, Vijayendra’s supporters remain defiant. Former minister M P Renukacharya stated that the faction will take its concerns to Delhi. “If Vijayendra is removed, the BJP won’t win even ten seats in Karnataka. The central leadership is aware of this, and he will remain president,” he asserted.

Party sources indicate that a leadership election is likely, with both factions rallying support for their candidates.

Sriramulu, sensing an opportunity, has openly expressed his willingness to take on the role. “If the party entrusts me with the responsibility, I will eliminate factionalism and lead BJP to a 150-seat victory in the 2028 Assembly elections,” he told reporters in Kolar.

A veteran of Karnataka politics, Sriramulu has had a tumultuous relationship with the BJP. A close associate of mining baron Gali Janardhan Reddy, he initially rose to prominence as an aide to Sushma Swaraj in the 1999 Bellary Lok Sabha contest. After becoming an MLA in 2008 and serving as a minister, he parted ways with the BJP in 2011, launching the BSR Congress. Though his party failed to win seats in the 2013 elections, it significantly hurt the BJP in at least 40 constituencies. He rejoined the BJP in 2014, winning the Bellary Lok Sabha seat. However, his fortunes waned after defeats in Badami (2018) and Bellary (2023).

Meanwhile, Yatnal has remained relentless in his criticism of Vijayendra, accusing him of corruption and incompetence. “Vijayendra may have money, but he lacks good qualities. He is characterless, corrupt, and a burden to the party,” he lashed out in Delhi.

As both camps dig in, the BJP’s Karnataka unit faces a deepening leadership crisis that could impact its future electoral prospects.