By-polls defeat: Dissidence erupts in BJP again

Bengaluru: The defeat in the recent by-polls has triggered fresh bout of dissidence in the BJP, with some leaders questioning the style of functioning of State BJP President B.S. Yeddyurappa (BSY).

The dissidents, who call themselves as loyal activists of the party, are set to meet on Apr.27 to discuss the state of affairs in the party and the measures needed to ‘save the party.’

Senior leader and Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council K.S. Eshwarappa chaired a meeting of leaders of Sangolli Rayanna Brigade here yesterday. Stating that he would attend the Brigade’s April 27 meeting, Eshwarappa said that  the meeting cannot be construed as anti-party activity as it has been convened by committed workers of the party with an intention to strengthen the Brigade.

Expressing displeasure at Yeddyurappa’s style of functioning, Eshwarappa questioned as to why the State BJP Chief has not cared to implement Party National President Amit Shah’s instructions to reconsider the appointments of office-bearers of many District Units of the Party.

Pointing out that the Committee constituted for the purpose had not met even once, Eshwarappa reiterated his allegation that loyal, long-time party workers were being neglected.

Stating that developments in the party would be brought to the notice of Amit Shah during his next visit to the State, Eshwarappa indirectly blamed Yeddyurappa for the party’s debacle in Nanjangud and Gundlupet by-polls.

BSY critics complain to Central leadership

Meanwhile, Yeddyurappa’s detractors in the party are learnt to have told Central leaders that the BJP lost the Assembly by-polls from Nanjangud and Gundlupet because the State Party Chief did not project Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s good work during the campaign.

Maintaining that Yeddyurappa’s style of campaigning and his failure to highlight the achievements of the Modi Government led to the defeat of BJP candidates in the two constituencies, BSY’s critics also complained to the Central leaders about his close associate  Shobha Karandlaje and Mysuru-Kodagu MP and State BJP Yuva Morcha President Pratap Simha.

Instead of highlighting the achievements of the PM, Yeddyurappa sought votes for himself and as the campaign intensified, the by-polls turned out to be a battle between Chief Minister Siddharamaiah and Yeddyurappa, the BJP leaders are said to have told the party top brass.