Bengaluru: The confusion surrounding the appointment of the BJP State President in Karnataka must be resolved quickly. If not addressed soon, the issue may become more complicated. Senior BJP leaders have urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to intervene immediately. With this, the decision regarding the new state president is now in Amit Shah’s court. There is a possibility that a new leader may be appointed to head the Karnataka BJP by the end of this month.
On Friday, leaders including B.Y. Vijayendra, Basavaraj Bommai, Arvind Bellad, and R. Ashoka met Amit Shah and held discussions for nearly half an hour. During this time, some leaders drew Shah’s attention to the ongoing confusion about the state president’s post. It is learned that Shah listened carefully to all the concerns.
Attempt to Resolve Discontent
Amit Shah arrived in Bengaluru on Thursday night. Prior to his visit, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi held a meeting with dissenting leaders from Davanagere at the party office in an effort to pacify them. After Shah was welcomed at the airport, B.S. Yediyurappa met him separately at a hotel for discussions. Earlier that morning, Opposition Leader R. Ashoka and other leaders also met senior Sangh Parivar functionaries to deliberate on the matter.
 Growing Support for Vijayendra?
B.Y. Vijayendra, who has been serving as interim president for nearly one and three-quarter years, has both support and opposition within the party. Leaders such as K.S. Eshwarappa and Basangouda Patil Yatnal, who were vocal against him, are now sidelined from the party. With their exit, the voices aligned with them have also faded. Even within senior RSS circles, there are both pro- and anti-Vijayendra opinions.
Names of other contenders for the state president’s post include Kota Srinivas Poojari, V. Somanna, and Shobha Karandlaje. There were speculations that if Somanna is made the state president, Basavaraj Bommai might be accommodated as a Union Minister. However, it is also likely that B.S. Yediyurappa will insist on a ministerial berth for B.Y. Raghavendra instead. Given the current scenario, the central leadership reportedly believes it would be appropriate to continue with Vijayendra. The selection process is expected to begin next week, and a formal announcement may be made by month-end.
 Party Organisation: BSY Back in Action
Following discussions with Amit Shah, former CM B.S. Yediyurappa made a surprise visit to the BJP state office in Bengaluru and spent an hour there. He also stated, “I will come to the party office every day until noon.” This indicates not only efforts to resolve internal dissent but also signals that the leadership confusion may be nearing resolution. Party leaders are now seen uniting around the message of strengthening internal organisation.
 Amit Shah’s Directive: Intensify Attack on State Government
Amit Shah has reportedly directed the state BJP to intensify its campaign against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Recent political developments and ongoing corruption allegations against the state government were discussed during his visit. Shah advised that the party should double its efforts in fighting against the alleged corruption of the ruling Congress government in Karnataka.
