Ahead of crucial by-polls, trouble brews in Karnataka BJP

Vibha Sharma
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, April 7

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Amid the high-voltage political activity across the country, including Maharashtra, Karnataka too appears to be undergoing a political churning ahead of crucial by-polls scheduled on April 17.

While the ruling BJP is facing a tough challenge in the Belagavi Lok Sabha and the Basavakalyan and Maski Assembly segments, Chief Minister BS Yeddiyurappa seems to have been to fend for himself amid string of charges against him.

Sources, in fact, say his fate depends upon the result of the three constituencies.

“The BJP is facing trouble from within rather than the opposition Congress,” say sources.

Persistent attacks against the chief minister by colleagues and disgruntlement MLAs following a series of controversies have taken their toll. The party is facing “serious issues” in all the three seats, including Belagavi which is considered as among its core constituencies.

The decision to field Mangala Angadi, wife of late Union minister Suresh Angadi (from Belagavi) has created a rift among party cadres. Dissenters are calling the decision “against the BJP’s declared stance against dynasty politics”, they say.

Trouble has been brewing in the Karnataka BJP for several weeks, in fact months, now. However, despite the controversies the central leadership has not made any move to make amends, making many believe that perhaps it is waiting for the “right time” to make any decision related to Yeddiyurappa, a strongman in his own right.

The incumbent CM has been battling criticism from senior BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, who has been relentlessly questioning his style of functioning and his son’s “alleged interference in government affairs”.

However, apart from a general show-cause notice, he has not faced any disciplinary action. There was this sex CD case allegedly involving Ramesh Jarkiholi following which he quit from the Cabinet.

Recently another minister, KS Eshwarappa, wrote to the Governor, accusing Yediyurappa of lapses and running the state in an authoritarian way, have only added to the problems of the CM.

“The internal party strife may hurt the BJP in by-polls but the central leadership is waiting for the right time to make changes,” say party leaders in know of developments in Karnataka.