Bengaluru, 26 Nov

In the wake of a parallel agitation led by Karnataka BJP leaders, including Bijapur MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa has urged party members to put aside their differences and unify efforts to strengthen the party. Yediyurappa attributed the dissent to "self-conceit" among the dissenting leaders and called for collective responsibility following the party’s underwhelming performance in recent Assembly byelections in Sandur, Shiggaon, and Channapatna.

The veteran politician emphasized that every party member, including state president BY Vijayendra, should acknowledge the defeat and reflect on the shortcomings that led to it. “We accept that we faced a setback. Discussions regarding shortcomings are important, and measures should be taken to prevent similar outcomes in the future,” Yediyurappa stated.

He noted that despite Vijayendra's efforts to engage Yatnal and his supporters in collaborative protests regarding the Waqf issue, the leaders opted for separate demonstrations, indicating internal discord within the party ranks. Yatnal and other BJP MLAs, such as Ramesh Jarkiholi and BP Harish, have publicly criticised Vijayendra, accusing him of "adjustment politics" with the ruling Congress party.

While facing questions regarding the current leadership and potential escalations to the party's high command, Yediyurappa remarked that the central leadership was cognizant of the situation. “Let’s see what they will do,” he added, emphasising the need for unity in advancing the BJP's agendas in Karnataka.  -PTI