As the differences between state Congress President DK Shivakumar and Opposition leader Siddaramaiah seem to have ebbed, the infighting within the BJP is now coming to the fore. The infighting got impetus after the BJP high command's declaration that the polls would be fought under the guidance of former Chief Minister and BJP Central Parliamentary Committee Member BS Yediyurappa. The Union leaders have also stated that the next government would be formed as per the wishes of Yediyurappa.
Party sources said that Yediyurappa has been given a say in all the matters regarding strategising for the polls. Minister for Housing V Somanna kept himself away from party affairs and skipped the major event attended by the BJP National President JP Nadda. Minister Somanna went to New Delhi and met Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He poured out his woes to him and as of now, the high command has managed to assuage him. Sources explain that Somanna was miffed with the interference from Yediyurappa and his supporters in his domain. The audio of Somanna's son indirectly attacking Yediyurappa's son Vijayendra has also gone viral.
National General Secretary and BJP MLA CT Ravi had objected to Yediyurappa's declaration that his son Vijayendra would contest from the Shikaripura constituency. Ravi maintained that the issue of allocating tickets for Vijayendra will be decided by the party. Vijayendra has broken his silence over the issue and given a warning to those who are conspiring against his family. In his speech at Yuva Morcha Convention in Ranebennur city on Wednesday night, March 15, he stated, those who criticise Yediyurappa must be careful. If anyone thinks the quietness of Yediyurappa is his weakness they will have to repent. "People say Yediyurappa is 81 years old. At this age, he is touring across the state and campaigning for the party. Does anyone in the party have the courage to assure that they will bring the BJP to power in the state?” he said.
Yediyurappa does not have the dream to make his son the CM. BJP insiders say that all is not well within the party and infighting is on. At a time when the central leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, are putting an all-out effort to bring the BJP to power in the state, the development has raised concerns.