Two-time lok Sabha MP from Dharwad, Pralhad Venkatesh Joshi, has been appointed the new chief of Karnataka BJP. The announcement comes a day after the election commission fixed May 5 as the date of poll for Assembly elections there. Joshi represents Dharwad in the lok Sabha.
The 51-year-old Brahmin leader from North Karnataka pipped lok Sabha MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, former Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda and Karnataka Minister Govind M Karjol to the BJP chief’s post.
North Karnataka, a lingayat strong belt, is considered BJP’s fortress that is in danger after the exit of ex-CM BS Yeddyurappa. Senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley and party’s Karnataka in-charge Dharmendra Pradhan were believed to be in favour of Joshi getting the organisational job.