Ramesh Jarkiholi raises queries on Yediyurappa's state tour

Former minister and BJP MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi on Wednesday sought to know if former CM-BJP veteran B S Yediyurappa is touring the state to strengthen the party or consolidate his son-the party’s state chief B Y Vijayendra’s position within the organisation.

Ramesh, while acknowledging the immense respect that he has for Yediyurappa, said that Yediyurappa must not resort to blackmail to secure his son’s position. Ramesh, along with Bijapur City MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal among others, has been vocal in opposing Karnataka BJP president Vijayendra.

Reiterating the dissidents’ demand for a change of guard in the Karnataka BJP leadership, Ramesh said, “Vijayendra is not acceptable as the president of the state BJP unit. We shall accept any other leader appointed by the party’s central leadership.” 

‘Be mindful while speaking about BSY’

Taking a dig at Ramesh Jarkiholi, Vijayendra said in Koppal: “Yediyurappa travelled across the state to strengthen the BJP. Ramesh Jarkiholi, who only recently joined the party, should be more mindful when talking about him.” 

He said Ramesh must speak to the party top brass about the problems he is facing. “Speaking in such a vein about Yediyurappa is hurtful to millions of his admirers in. BJP workers are also not likely to accept such remarks.”