The Karnataka BJP which is facing a war between two factions headed by lingayat strongman and state president BS Yeddyurappa and backward classes leader and leader of the opposition in legislative council KS Eshwarappa has intensified with both the factions indulging in war of words. A letter written by party vice president and MlC MB Bhanuprakash signed by 24 senior leaders of the party opposing Yeddyurappa’s dictatorial and authoritarian attitude and its negative impact in the ensuing assembly polls in 2016 has led to further infighting within the BJP. However Yeddyurappa dismissed the letter criticising his decisions as a handiwork of 'miscreants' in the party.
The party spokesperson G Madhusudhan dismissed the letter and also questioned its genuineness . He said it was an act of mischives elements created this. He further stated that no letter dated August 1 was ever received by Yeddyurappa as mentioned in the above letter.
However when contacted some of the leaders of the group confirmed that the letter had been drafted by Bhanuprakash and signed by the concerned in the interest of the party.
In his letter Bhanuprakash has questioned the logic behind stopping Eshwarappa from attending a backward classes function. "In politics, it's but an open secret that caste and community vote banks are taken seriously. As such, what's the logic behind denying Eshwarappa permission to attend a Kuruba community event held by the Sangolli Rayanna Brigade," asked Bhanuprakash.
Slamming Yeddyurappa for not replying to their letter sent on August 8, the dissidents said they were unhappy with the unilateral decisions taken by him with regard to appointment of the party's state unit office-bearers, district heads, party spokespersons and chiefs of various committees.
But Yeddyurappa dismissed the existence of any such letter and said even if there was one, then it was the work of miscreants. Yeddyurappa said party workers shouldn't air their grievances openly and can discuss them at party forums instead. "If anyone has a problem with the way the party is being run, she or he can certainly discuss the issue with national president Amit Shah," said Yeddyurappa in Shivamogga, his native place,
Yeddyurappa who wants to take full control of the party dismissed any changes in the party structure at the state or district level. He has been projected as the chief ministerial candidate by many senior leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
It is important that the letter gains significance ahead of 2018 assembly polls which is crucial for the saffron party to take back Karnataka and brought to the lore the divide within. The party state unit is facing a wide divide between top leaders Yeddyurappa and Eshwarappa both represent particular communities in the changing political situation in Karnataka.