Major reshuffle in state BJP likely this month

Bengaluru: With around one-and-a-half years left for the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections, reports are doing the rounds that the BJP central leadership is planning three major changes in the State unit. The proposed organisational reshuffle is expected to take place in November.

There is also renewed discussion about bringing back expelled leaders Basanagouda Patil Yatnal and KS Eshwarappa into the party. Yatnal had reportedly laid down three conditions for his return. State BJP president BY Vijayendra had earlier said that he was agreeable to the conditions put forward by Yatnal, adding to speculation about the possible changes.

One of Yatnal’s conditions was reportedly that Vijayendra should step down as State BJP president. Vijayendra himself had acknowledged this demand. There is now speculation that his replacement is almost certain, particularly as his three-year term is due to end on November 10. Reports suggest that the central leadership, including Amit Shah, had been waiting for the completion of his tenure before taking a decision. Although the BJP does not traditionally change its State presidents after just three years, the party has reportedly followed this practice since 2010. V. Somanna’s name is said to have emerged as a strong contender to replace Vijayendra.

Somanna, who belongs to the same Lingayat community as Vijayendra, is reportedly the frontrunner for the post. His name had figured in earlier discussions as well, but pressure from within the Karnataka BJP had reportedly prevented Vijayendra’s replacement. Somanna’s performance as Union Minister of State for Railways and his efforts to address several pending issues concerning Karnataka are being cited as factors in his favour.

Reports suggest that several State BJP leaders, including those in the dissenting camp led by Yatnal, have no objection to his appointment. The central leadership is also reportedly considering replacing R Ashoka as the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly. Although Ashoka has consistently taken on the Congress government, some members of his own party have, directly and indirectly, expressed reservations about what they perceive as his political accommodation.

Ashoka will complete three years in the post on November 17. BJP MLA V. Sunil Kumar from Karkala in Udupi district is reportedly the leading contender to replace him. Sunil Kumar had drawn attention during the recent Assembly session by effectively highlighting alleged lapses of the State government. His appointment as Leader of the Opposition is being widely discussed within party circles.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that the BJP central leadership has made a proposal to former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa to ensure that he is not upset by the possible removal of his son Vijayendra from the State party leadership. Yediyurappa is said to have agreed to the proposal, under which his other son and Shivamogga MP BY Raghavendra could be inducted into the Union Cabinet. Despite being elected to Parliament for three consecutive terms, Raghavendra has not yet been considered for a Union ministerial position. If Somanna is appointed Karnataka BJP president, a ministerial vacancy could arise under the State’s representation quota, potentially opening the way for Raghavendra’s induction.

Former MLA Kumar Bangarappa, who is considered a critic of Yediyurappa, has claimed that Vijayendra’s replacement is almost certain, putting the likelihood at 99 per cent. However, the proposed changes remain speculative, with no official announcement from the BJP leadership.