Caste War for Karnataka BJP State President: Okkaliga or Lingayat?
BENGALURU:
The official announcement of the Karnataka BJP state president is expected in the coming days. Surprisingly, Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje’s name has emerged as a potential candidate for the position.
This sudden news has caused quite a stir within the state BJP. However, amidst these developments, the name of MLA BY Vijayendra, son of former Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa, has also gained prominence.
On one hand, it is believed that the high command is considering Shobha Karandlaje as the state president to break factional politics and appeal to women voters and the Okkaliga community.
On the other hand, some leaders have suggested that the Lingayat community should be given representation instead of the Okkaliga community, considering the alliance with the JDS. Consequently, the high command is seriously considering the Okkaliga-Lingayat combination.
As a result, Vijayendra’s name has been proposed by the Lingayat community, and his close associates are hopeful that the high command will choose him as the youth representative.
If Vijayendra is given this position, it will also invigorate Yeddyurappa’s involvement. This move will benefit the party in both old Mysore and North Karnataka, where the Lingayat community holds influence.
However, there are speculations that if Vijayendra becomes the state president, BL Santosh’s faction may join forces. There are also rumors of potential setbacks due to the preference for younger leaders over the elder ones. Sources reveal that the high command extensively discussed all these options.
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