Vijayapura, 3 Feb

Senior BJP legislator Basanagouda Patil Yatnal announced he and other loyal party leaders would travel to New Delhi on 4 February to present grievances about state BJP president BY Vijayendra and his father, veteran leader BS Yediyurappa. Yatnal labelled the father-son duo as "corrupt" and accused them of engaging in "adjustment politics" with the ruling Congress. He also called for an end to nepotism in the party.

"We will tell the BJP leadership about Yediyurappa and his son's actions," Yatnal stated, questioning whether the party wanted a "corrupt family" or "honest, loyal workers." He stressed three key issues: removing the corrupt family from leadership, avoiding dynasty politics, and ensuring the party's future was led by true Hindutva followers. Yatnal also criticised the state BJP leadership for its inadequate response to the killings of Hindu activists, claiming the lack of action had damaged the party's standing.

Yatnal noted that more party leaders, previously neutral, had joined his faction after realising that Vijayendra's leadership would harm the BJP's prospects. He also accused Vijayendra of "adjustment politics" with Congress, pointing to claims by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar that Vijayendra’s election victory had been aided by Congress support.

Furthermore, Yatnal claimed that Congress had threatened to file corruption-related cases against the Yediyurappas if they spoke out against the ruling party.

Vijayendra, appointed state BJP president in November 2023, has faced internal dissent, with senior leaders like Yatnal and Ramesh Jarkiholi criticising his leadership. Despite the factional rift, Vijayendra expressed confidence about his continued role, hoping for a "happy ending" in the upcoming state presidential polls. Yatnal dismissed this, remarking that even those destined to lose would claim victory.