BENGALURU, 10 JAN

Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra convened a meeting with former legislators and defeated candidates on Friday to strengthen the party at the grassroots level and prepare for the forthcoming panchayat elections.

Vijayendra reaffirmed his commitment to uniting the party while attempting to mitigate concerns regarding intra-party factionalism and opposition from certain leaders. He launched a critique of the ruling Congress government, highlighting the "power politics" between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shiva Kumar, and alleging "zero development" under their administration.

Key figures in attendance included BJP veteran BS Yediyurappa, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly R Ashoka, and Chalavadi Narayanaswamy of the Legislative Council. Post-meeting, Vijayendra stated, "Our focus is on further strengthening the party by engaging all communities and preparing for the upcoming zilla and taluk panchayat polls."

Despite the presence of dissenting voices within the party, led by MLAs Basanagouda Patil Yatnal and Ramesh Jarkiholi, Vijayendra maintained that the meeting was aimed solely at unifying efforts to fortify the BJP, denying any agenda against specific individuals.

He further accused the Congress government of leading the state into turmoil through its guarantee schemes, citing increased maternal deaths and corruption. Reflecting on the internal tensions within the ruling party, Vijayendra urged Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar to clarify the ongoing "power-sharing formula."