Since the first wave of coronavirus infections began last year There was murmur in Karnataka’s corridors of power that Prime Minister BS Yediyurappa’s time is up and that he must give way to a new face.
For the past 1.5 years, many BJP MLAs have spoken out against Yediyurappa in public. However, the party has not officially given a clear indication of a possible change of the guard.
Recently, BJP-MLAs have banded together against the Prime Minister. Some of them travel to Delhi to meet the party’s high command and to express their “disappointment”.
Citing certain government decisions, addressing the Covid-19 crisis and suspected corruption cases, some lawmakers are said to be pressing for a Legislative Party meeting after June 7, the final day of the Karnataka lockdown.
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What prompted MLAs to look for a new CM?
The recent decision by the cabinet led by BS Yediyurappa to sell 3,667 acres of land to JSW Steel in Bellary has reportedly not been well received by some BJP MLAs. This is the latest trigger, according to sources.
This land deal was carried out by the JD (S) congressional government led by HD Kumaraswamy. At that time, the BJP spoke out against it and even staged Dharna against it. But now the BJP government has struck the same deal.
Four BJP-MLAs have written to the prime minister that they disagree with the government’s decision and that it is against the party’s ethos.
That country aside, BS Yediyurappa is facing the wrath of the BJP MLAs for its alleged shortcomings in handling the coronavirus pandemic.
According to BJP sources, many party MLAs are unhappy about not getting enough beds for Covid-19 patients and having to walk from one hospital to another. The MLAs have accused the Yediyurappa government of being complacent rather than bolstering the state’s health infrastructure.
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“Since 2020 the The prime minister did not take calls or speak to an MLA Questions about the situation of Covid-19 in their constituencies and about the help the government can provide. There was no two-way communication. Our ideas were not heard. It was a one-man decision-making process, “said one BJP-MLA, demanding not to be named.
What’s next for the angry MLAs?
MLAs dissatisfied with Yediyurappa’s style of work have started camping and strategizing.
A minister from south Karnataka and an MLA from north Karnataka camped in Delhi recently and met the BJP high command.
Top sources in the BJP say the duo have urged high command to address the issue of leadership change and instruct the prime minister to convene a Legislative Party meeting.
Unfortunate BJP leaders are also likely to collect signatures from MLAs in the anti-Yediyurappa camp and present them to the high command to prove they have the numbers.
A BJP MLA claimed that the number of such MLAs is over 40 as on Wednesday.
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“I have information on several (legislative) campsites in Delhi, I even heard of meetings that are still held in different places today. I saw in the media that several ministers are also part of it … it is It agrees that such discussions are taking place, “said Treasury Secretary R Ashoka.
“I’ve heard that some (legislators) are going to Delhi. It is 100% true that developments are happening … while some people are directly involved, others indirectly. I see their statements in the media, but my priority is with.” to stand by the people who suffer from Corona, “he added.
Earlier this month, the visit of Bommai and BJP Vice President BY Vijayendra, son of Yediyurappa, to the state capital and their meeting with the national leadership had aroused keen interest in leadership changes and discussions about a possible replacement that would meet the government’s wishes would Lingayat strong man.
BJP’s likely CM candidates
The BJP in Karnataka is largely supported by the Lingayat community. BS Yediyurappa also belongs to this community.
If the party’s high command decides to replace Yediyurappa with another Lingayat leader, the likely CM face is likely one of them:
1) Laxam Savadi (current Deputy CM)
2) Murgesh Nirani (Cabinet Minister)
3) Basangouda Yatnal (current MLA, former Union Minister)
4) Basavaraj Bommai (current cabinet minister)
In the event that the BJP decides on a CM from another community, the most important candidates for the CM position are:
1) CN Ashwathnarayan from the Vokkaliga Congregation (current Deputy CM)
2) Pralhad Joshi, Brahmin (current Union Minister)
3) Eshwarappa from the Kuruba community (current cabinet minister)
4) Govind Karjol, Dalit Leader (current Deputy CM)
5) Sunil Kumar, Idiga (OBC community) (current government whip; has strong RSS connections)
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However, the BJP has been known to cause surprises. The next prime minister, if there is one, must be conditions like young and have an RSS background. The party could also turn to a young aggressive person, bearing in mind that the new leader could lead the party for the next 10 to 15 years.
BJP high command with tight lips
While the rumble in the Karnataka BJP has been going on for some time, the party’s top leadership has not spoken about the situation in the state and has not reprimanded any MLA that has spoken publicly against the prime minister.
According to sources, the supreme command is currently on hold. “At the moment, the high command is waiting. It needs alternative leadership to replace BS Yediyurappa. However, it is definitely not happy with the Karnataka government,” the source said.
(With PTI inputs)
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