Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent visit to Bengaluru has sparked a fresh wave of activity within the Karnataka BJP, with senior leader B.S. Yediyurappa making back-to-back appearances at the party office and party president B.Y. Vijayendra intensifying efforts to unify the ranks amidst internal discord.
Bengaluru: In what political observers are calling a “booster shot” for the Karnataka BJP, Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit appears to have reignited momentum within the party’s state unit. The visit has not only rejuvenated the party’s core leadership but also catalyzed a series of high-level internal reconciliations aimed at preparing for upcoming electoral challenges.
Significantly, veteran leader B.S. Yediyurappa — who had limited his appearances at the BJP office to core committee meetings — was seen at the party headquarters for two consecutive days. Sources suggest that Shah, during his closed-door interactions, advised the Lingayat strongman to become more active in state affairs and guide the party from the front.
Adding to the intrigue, BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra held an hour-long meeting with former CM Basavaraj Bommai at a city hotel, signaling a push towards bridging internal gaps. Vijayendra later confirmed that Shah had urged him to personally engage with disgruntled leaders and ensure ideological unity, saying, “Forget old differences, come together — only then will workers and the public trust us.”
Vijayendra also expressed confidence about continuing as party president, stating, “I’ve discharged my responsibilities with complete dedication for the past 15 months. The central leadership will take a final call after consulting all stakeholders.”
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Meanwhile, speculation is rife that the party is considering revoking the suspension of former Deputy CM K.S. Eshwarappa. While Vijayendra hinted at inclusivity, Eshwarappa responded bluntly, asserting, “There can be no return without purification. The mistakes must be acknowledged and discussed transparently.”
The recent developments underscore a phase of “cleansing and cohesion” within the BJP, with Amit Shah’s directives setting the tone for reconciliation and resurgence. While dissent persists in pockets, a high-level restructuring appears imminent as the party gears up for future electoral battles.
