Karnataka BJP dissidents intensify campaign to oust Vijayendra

A faction of disgruntled leaders within the BJP state unit has stepped up its campaign to remove B Y Vijayendra as the party’s interim state president. The demand was reportedly conveyed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his visit to Bengaluru last week, pointing to widening internal rifts in the state unit.

On the day of Shah’s visit last week, a closed-door meeting was held at the residence of former union minister G M Siddeshwar. The meeting, led by former minister and Gokak MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi, was attended by several key dissidents.

According to this faction, the party —once known for its ideological clarity and organisational discipline under leaders like B S Yediyurappa, the late Dr V S Acharya, and H N Ananth Kumar — has lost direction and momentum.

Party insiders say this decline has hurt the BJP’s effectiveness as the principal opposition, with the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government continuing largely unchallenged despite facing serious allegations of corruption.

Speaking to DH, a senior dissident leader said the campaign is not anti-party but is focused on revitalising it. “Our struggle aims to end compromise politics that has weakened the party. This is about protecting the party’s future. If Vijayendra continues, many senior leaders are unlikely to support him,” the leader claimed.

The dissidents believe the central leadership has taken note of their concerns and may act ahead of the expected state president elections in October or November.

“The decision must align with our 2028 Assembly election strategy,” the leader said. Leadership aspirants are said to include V Somanna, Basavaraj Bommai and Murugesh Nirani from the Lingayat community, while several others from SC, ST, and OBC backgrounds are also lobbying for the post.

The faction also cited its recent work on sensitive issues such as Waqf property misuse and illegal Bangladeshi immigration, saying these initiatives had drawn praise from senior party and RSS leaders. “We’ve been told we’re on the right path. Even RSS leaders are unhappy with the ‘adjustment’ politics in the party,” the dissident noted.

They also expressed dismay over the party’s inability to hold the government accountable. “Despite the scandals, our protests are limited to soundbites. No one’s backing it up with data or sustained pressure,” the leader rued.

While dissidents have no plans to approach the high command in Delhi unless called, they say many senior leaders silently support a leadership change. However, sources close to Vijayendra maintain he is firmly in control, enjoying the backing of 30 to 33 of the 39 organisational district presidents.