Amid the numerous congratulatory messages and celebratory events surrounding BY Vijayendra's appointment as Karnataka’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief, a few party leaders seem discontented. Former national general secretary of the party, CT Ravi, a leader of the Vokkaliga community who was perceived as an aspirant for the position, indirectly conveyed his dissatisfaction to the BJP leadership.
Names like Ravi and Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje were previously considered for the post of Karnataka BJP chief. However, Vijayendra’s father and former Chief Minister of Karnataka BS Yediyurappa insisted that there are no differences within the party.
CT Ravi declined to comment on the issue beyond extending congratulations and said that his words will be "misconstrued” regardless of what he said. However, he admitted that he has some questions regarding the matter. "The party has appointed Vijayendra. With an ideological commitment, he has to work towards developing and expanding the party’s base. He has the responsibility of ensuring the party wins all the 28 Lok Sabha seats in the state," Ravi said.
Former minister KS Eshwarappa said, "It is not like he (Vijayendra) holds the reins of the party. The party is not banking on any individual as we organise, face the polls, and make Narendra Modi Prime Minister under collective leadership."
Senior legislators of the BJP Basanagouda Patil Yatnal and V Somanna, who had conflicts with Yediyurappa in the past, have not commented on the appointment of Vijayendra, though media reports suggest that both leaders have congratulated him over the phone.
"There were senior leaders who were aspirants, including myself. Such aspirations have to be given up once the party has decided [differently]," said former minister B Sriramulu, a Scheduled Tribes leader, and added that everyone will work together for the Lok Sabha polls.