Gadkari warns dissidents

In his maiden interaction with the media in Bangalore after taking over as BJP chief, Gadkari said the party high command will not compromise on discipline.

“All internal matters of the party have to be discussed within the party platform. Stern action will be taken against those who air internal affairs of the party in public,” Gadkari said. “There is no question of going to the media, even off the record,” he warned.

Gadkari’s statement takes significance as the state-unit has been rattled by simmering discontent among various factions during the last few months.  For instance, Bellary brothers faction, while lobbying for implementation their demands took an ugly turn in November last necessitating the intervention of the party high command.

Gadkari, however, hastened to add, “All is well, I am for division of power and decentralisation of organisation.” He said Chief Minister Yeddyurappa has the backing of the central leadership and would extend him full cooperation.

In fact, even as Gadkari was in Bangalore on Saturday, a section of dalit BJP legislators held a meeting to express their dissatisfaction over inadequate representation to SC/STs in the party. The legislators who met at the residence of Higher Education Minister Aravind Limbavali are said to have sought proper representation to dalits in the Cabinet, boards and corporation and also the coordination committee.

Breakfast meeting

Earlier in the day Gadkari had breakfast with the party top brass at senior leader Ananth Kumar’s residence.  Minister Aravind Limbavali stayed away from the meeting. During his brief stay in Bangalore, Gadkari is said to have informally gathered information on the internal affairs of the  party.

He also called on Governor H R Bhardwaj at Raj Bhavan.  BJP new state president took charge at the party headquarters in Bangalore from incumbent D V Sadananda Gowda.