Bengaluru, July 30 (Representative) Recent political maneuvers within Karnataka’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have unveiled significant intra-party tensions, sparked by divergent opinions over the proposed Padyatra to protest against the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam.At the heart of this controversy is Vijayendra Yediyurappa, the state BJP president, whose role in the protests against the alleged MUDA scam, involving fraudulent land allotment, has drawn both support and criticism from within the party.The most striking accusation came from senior BJP leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, who suggested that the Padyatra is not merely a crusade against corruption but part of a broader conspiracy to replace the current Chief Minister Siddaramaiah with Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar of the Congress. Yatnal’s remarks hint at a potential covert agreement between Shivakumar and Vijayendra, implying that the latter’s protest efforts may have hidden motives beyond the stated agenda.Yatnal’s comments that “Vijayendra is protesting against the MUDA scam, but his true intention is to ensure Siddaramaiah steps down so that DK Shivakumar can become CM,” underscore a significant claim that raises questions about the BJP’s intra-party tensions.The term “adjustment politics,” as used by Yatnal, suggests an unsettling possibility of covert alliances between politicians across party lines, potentially undermining the BJP’s Opposition stance against the Congress government.The discord within the BJP doesn’t end with Yatnal’s allegations. Ramesh Jarkiholi, another prominent BJP figure, expressed dissatisfaction with the decision-making process, particularly criticizing Vijayendra’s unilateral decision to commence the Padyatra without consulting senior party members.Jarkiholi’s statement that “We will launch our own Padyatra. We have sought the high command’s permission for it,” indicates a lack of internal consensus and highlights a growing rift within the party’s ranks.
Further complicating the situation is the concern voiced by a section of BJP functionaries regarding the role of Union Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) state president H D Kumaraswamy. There is apprehension among Vijayendra’s supporters that Kumaraswamy’s involvement might overshadow Vijayendra, especially given Kumaraswamy’s prominent role in the fight against the state government.Additionally, there is unease about the timing of the Padyatra, as monsoon rains have significantly affected large parts of North Karnataka. Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, Leader of the Opposition in the legislative council, emphasized that some senior members believe the BJP should prioritize addressing the state’s flood-like situation over launching a political protest.This sentiment was echoed during a BJP-JD(S) core committee meeting, where some members, including Ashoka, suggested that proceeding with the Padyatra during such a crisis could be detrimental to the party’s image.In response to these concerns, the party has decided to form six separate teams to visit flood-affected districts before the Padyatra’s planned launch on Saturday. Vijayendra stated, “While the Padyatra is to protest the government’s corruption, our teams will visit flood-affected areas and listen to victims,” reflecting an attempt to balance political objectives with addressing pressing public issues.As the BJP navigates these internal conflicts, the unfolding events will likely have a significant impact on the party’s positioning in Karnataka’s political landscape. The resolution of these tensions and the effectiveness of the Padyatra, both as a protest against corruption and a political strategy, will be critical in shaping the party’s future and its approach to governance and Opposition.