News Analysis India

Tag: Yediyurappa

  • Power Games: Scindia, Vijayvargiya join hands to promote heirs

    By Express News Service

    Family FirstScindia, Vijayvargiya join hands to promote heirs

    A newfound bonhomie between arch-rivals Jyotiraditya Scindia and Kailash Vijayvargiya has had the Madhya Pradesh political watchers racking their brains to figure out the reason for this realignment. Supporters of the two leaders had earlier come to blows when Vijayvargiya first challenged Scindia in the election for the post of Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) president. The clash between the two groups was so fierce that the police resorted to lathi charge to help the authorities conduct the election. Scindia defeated Vijayvargiya. They have since remained at loggerheads. But developments in the last two weeks have baffled all. During an MPCA award ceremony at Indore earlier this month, Scindia surprised the who’s who of the state’s cricketing and political fraternity present on the occasion by walking down the dais to bring Vijayvargiya, who was sitting in the audience, onto the stage. Scindia along with his son Mahanaryaman also went for lunch at Vijayvargiya’s residence at Indore.

    While initially their new equation was seen as the emergence of an axis within the state BJP, informed sources say the two leaders have decided to work together in the interest of their heirs. Scindia’s son Mahanaryaman was recently appointed vice-president of the Gwalior Division Cricket Association. Scindia wants him to take over from him as the head of MPCA. For this, he needs the support of Vijayvargiya. For Vijayvargiya, who has been sidelined in the party, joining hands with Scindia would ensure the re-election of his son Akash as an MLA from Indore. The Scindias wield considerable clout in Indore by virtue of their close ties with the widely-respected Holkar royal family of Indore. State Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has heaved a sigh of relief on learning that the new alliance is not a ploy to target his chair. Both Scindia and Vijayvargiya are contenders for the post of chief minister.

    Karnataka ElectionsBJP sees red as Yediyurappa plays truant

    The BJP’s first chief minister in south India, B S Yediyurappa, is not amused by the central leadership’s decision to appoint him to the parliamentary board. He has been trying to persuade the central leaders to appoint his son B S Vijayendra as a minister in the state government. The party leadership has refused to oblige. He has reportedly been told that his son would be made deputy chief minister if he helps the party return to power. Yediyurappa says when his son is not being made a minister now, what is the guarantee that he would be made a deputy chief minister later? At one point he was so disappointed by the party’s continued efforts to sideline him that he announced retirement from politics.

    Last year, he was asked to step down as the chief minister of Karnataka as the party felt his government had become unpopular and it may not be able to return to power under his leadership. The party’s electoral fortunes have, however, failed to change even after his exit. Yediyurappa is by far the most popular leader among Karnataka’s numerically strong Lingayat community which has largely supported the BJP over the years. This has forced the party to bring him back to a position of prominence.

    Sources said Yediyurappa continues to sulk as he and his family have been kept away from power politics and forced to live on the margins. Efforts are on by the party to persuade their Lingayat strongman. The fact that the party now realises his importance was also evident when Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his recent visit to Mangaluru, called Yediyurappa to the dais when he saw him sitting in the audience. Party’s overtures notwithstanding, BSY appears in no mood to bring back a government in which he and his family would have no role to play.

    Family First
    Scindia, Vijayvargiya join hands to promote heirs

    A newfound bonhomie between arch-rivals Jyotiraditya Scindia and Kailash Vijayvargiya has had the Madhya Pradesh political watchers racking their brains to figure out the reason for this realignment. Supporters of the two leaders had earlier come to blows when Vijayvargiya first challenged Scindia in the election for the post of Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) president. The clash between the two groups was so fierce that the police resorted to lathi charge to help the authorities conduct the election. Scindia defeated Vijayvargiya. They have since remained at loggerheads. But developments in the last two weeks have baffled all. During an MPCA award ceremony at Indore earlier this month, Scindia surprised the who’s who of the state’s cricketing and political fraternity present on the occasion by walking down the dais to bring Vijayvargiya, who was sitting in the audience, onto the stage. Scindia along with his son Mahanaryaman also went for lunch at Vijayvargiya’s residence at Indore.

    While initially their new equation was seen as the emergence of an axis within the state BJP, informed sources say the two leaders have decided to work together in the interest of their heirs. Scindia’s son Mahanaryaman was recently appointed vice-president of the Gwalior Division Cricket Association. Scindia wants him to take over from him as the head of MPCA. For this, he needs the support of Vijayvargiya. For Vijayvargiya, who has been sidelined in the party, joining hands with Scindia would ensure the re-election of his son Akash as an MLA from Indore. The Scindias wield considerable clout in Indore by virtue of their close ties with the widely-respected Holkar royal family of Indore. State Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has heaved a sigh of relief on learning that the new alliance is not a ploy to target his chair. Both Scindia and Vijayvargiya are contenders for the post of chief minister.

    Karnataka Elections
    BJP sees red as Yediyurappa plays truant

    The BJP’s first chief minister in south India, B S Yediyurappa, is not amused by the central leadership’s decision to appoint him to the parliamentary board. He has been trying to persuade the central leaders to appoint his son B S Vijayendra as a minister in the state government. The party leadership has refused to oblige. He has reportedly been told that his son would be made deputy chief minister if he helps the party return to power. Yediyurappa says when his son is not being made a minister now, what is the guarantee that he would be made a deputy chief minister later? At one point he was so disappointed by the party’s continued efforts to sideline him that he announced retirement from politics.

    Last year, he was asked to step down as the chief minister of Karnataka as the party felt his government had become unpopular and it may not be able to return to power under his leadership. The party’s electoral fortunes have, however, failed to change even after his exit. Yediyurappa is by far the most popular leader among Karnataka’s numerically strong Lingayat community which has largely supported the BJP over the years. This has forced the party to bring him back to a position of prominence.

    Sources said Yediyurappa continues to sulk as he and his family have been kept away from power politics and forced to live on the margins. Efforts are on by the party to persuade their Lingayat strongman. The fact that the party now realises his importance was also evident when Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his recent visit to Mangaluru, called Yediyurappa to the dais when he saw him sitting in the audience. Party’s overtures notwithstanding, BSY appears in no mood to bring back a government in which he and his family would have no role to play.

  • Yediyurappa hints at pact with JD(S) for legislative council elections

    Express News Service

    DAVANGERE: BJP may join hands with JD(S) in the ensuing legislative council elections (local authorities) for the 25 seats that are going to polls on December 10, former CM BS Yediyurappa on Wednesday hinted.

    Addressing an election rally in favour of Shimoga-Davangere constituency DS Arun at Santhebennuru and Channagiri public meetings, Yediyurappa said BJP will decide on the issue of getting support from JD(S) shortly and we will request them to support us. “We will decide on getting JD(S) support at the earliest,” the former CM said.

    Exuding confidence of winning 15 out of 20 constituencies that are going to polls on December 10, he said BJP will get absolute majority in the legislative council and the BJP wave is still intact all over the state.

    Yediyurappa also said that the second round of campaigns for the elections have begun and the victory will boost the confidence of the party workers. All the ministers, elected representatives of the party have started campaigning for the party candidates and victory is certain. 

    Taking a dig at Congress, Yediyurappa said the grand old party has totally collapsed the rest of the country and BJP is the only answer. “Hence, support the party,” he urged the voters. 

    Yediyurappa further said the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY-Phase V) has been extended for a  period of  another 4 months (till March 2022). This shows the party’s concern towards the poor, he said, while congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the move.

    The former CM requested the gram panchayat members to exercise their franchise in favour of BJP in the ensuing legislative council elections. 

    Yediyurappa said he will hold talks with Independent candidate Lakhan Jarkiholi and persuade him to withdraw the nominations filed for the twin member Belagavi legislative council seat.  Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai will also talk to Jarkiholi and persuade him to withdraw the nominations, he added. 

  • Amid leadership change buzz, Yediyurappa asks supporters not to indulge in protests

    By PTI
    BENGALURU: With voices growing in his support, amid speculation that his replacement was on the cards, Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Wednesday urged his supporters and well-wishersnot to indulge in any kind of protests or indiscipline that is disrespectful and may embarrass the BJP.

    The 78-year-old BJP veteran said the party is “like mother” for him.

    “I am privileged to be a loyal worker of BJP. It is my utmost honour to serve the party with highest standards of ethics & behaviour. I urge everyone to act in accordance with party ethics & not indulge in protests/indiscipline that is disrespectful & embarrassing for the party,” Yediyurappa tweeted.

    Appealing to supporters not to give statements in his favour or indulge in protests, “based on the current political developments”, Yediyurappa in a Kannada tweet said, “your goodwill should not exceed the boundaries of discipline. Party is like a mother to me and disrespecting it will cause pain to me. I believe that my true well-wishers will understand and respond to my feelings. ”

    His statement came as support continued to pour in for him from Mutts, pontiffs, and political leaders.

    Leaders and pontiffs, especially from the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community, also All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha, have declared support to Yediyurappa and have urged for his continuation as the Chief Minister, while also warning “bad consequences” for the BJP if he is replaced.

    Striking a discordant note, dissident BJP MLC A H Vishwanath asked the Lingayat seers whether they were “backing corruption” by rallying behind Yediyurappa.

    Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Vishwanath, who has been vocal against Yediyurappa, criticised them, claiming that they are setting a “wrong precedent” by backing the Chief Minister and his government “instead of standing with the people”.

    Some BJP leaders like MP G M Siddeshwara and former legislator B Suresh Gowda have also expressed confidence that he will continue as CM, as the high command has not asked him to step down.

    Yediyurappa, who is completing two years in office on July 26, had visited Delhi last week, during which he had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and BJP president J P Nadda.

    The trip raised questions in some quarters if the party is now working out a succession plan.

    On his return from the national capital, Yediyurappa had, however, rubbished talks in some quarters that he is on the way out, and asserted that the central leadership has asked him to continue in the post.

    According to BJP sources, Yediyurappa’s dinner for BJP legislators, which was scheduled to take place on July 25, to mark his government completing two years in office, has been postponed.

    Sources also clarified that a BJP legislature party meeting has not been convened on July 26.

  • Seers, even Congress leaders, warn BJP of backlash if CM Yediyurappa is replaced

    By PTI
    BENGALURU: Amid heightened buzz within a section of the ruling BJP that the exit of Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa was on the cards, community factor seems to have come to the fore, with prominent Veerashaiva-Lingayat political leaders across party lines and seers throwing their weight behind him.

    Several seers and leaders of the dominant community, which is estimated to form about 16 per cent of the state’s population, have cautioned the BJP against any move to dislodge the 78-year-old Lingayat strongman from the Chief Minister’s post. The Veerashaiva-Lingayat community is considered to be the BJP’s core support base.

    With a new round of speculation on whether replacement of Yediyurappa is round the corner, senior Congress leader and the head of the All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha, Shamanur Shivashankarappa, said the community is behind the Chief Minister.

    “They (BJP leadership) should remember history– S Nijalingappa, Veerendra Patil, J H Patel and S R Bommai (all former Chief Minisyers). They will destroy themselves if they attempt such a thing,” Shivashankarappa said in response to a question on reports that BJP is mulling replacing Yediyurappa.

    Stating that the community wants him to continue as the Chief Minister, he said Yediyurappa has built the party from scratch.

    “Veerashaiva Mahasabha is behind him as long as Yediyurappa is there, they (BJP) will be there. If Yediyurappa is disturbed, things will end there,” he said.

    Another prominent Congress leader from the Lingayat community and former Minister M B Patil has warned that the BJP may face the wrath of Lingayats, if they “ill treat” a tall leader like Yediyurappa.

    “BJP should value the contribution of Yediyurappa and treat him with dignity. This is my personal opinion, understanding that the proposed changes may be internal matters of the BJP,” he said.

    However, the statement by senior Congress leaders, coming out in the open, in support of Yediyurappa is seen as an attempt to enhance their clout in the community by attracting his Veerashaiva-Lingayat support base towards themselves.

    Several prominent seers from the community like Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru, head of the Chitradurga-based Sri Jagadguru Murugharajendra Mutt, Sri Veera Someshwara Shivacharya Swami of Rambhapuri Peetha of Balehonnur, and Srisaila Jagadguru Channa Siddharama Panditaradhya have also favoured Yediyurappa’s continuation, while warning the BJP. Veera Someshwara Shivacharya Swami said any move to replace Yediyurappa will have “big consequences” for the BJP.

    “Friction is common in politics, let anyone say anything, but we have confidence that B S Yediyurappa will continue as the Chief Minister and complete the term. If there are any shortcomings in this, it will have big consequences for the party,” he said.

    Yediyurappa has support from people across parties and communities for his efficient work during floods and COVID, even at this age, the seer said.

    “I have confidence that the national leadership (of BJP) will not allow it (CM replacement),” he added. Murugha Sharanaru said Yediyurappa is among the great statesmen-politicians that the state has seen, and he is a force.

    “Yediyurappa may be Lingayat by birth, but he is a mass leader who can take all the communities together. Nothing should happen that affects the dignity of a tall Lingayat leader like him.

    He has grown from grassroot level and functioned effectively during COVID, and his continuation is the wish of various pontiffs, people, organisations and political leaders across party lines,” he added.

    Siddharama Panditaradhya said, “Yediyurappa may be old, but he’s still working. He should be allowed to continue.” Yediyurappa is known for having provided generous grants to mutts and religious institutions during his previous term as Chief Minister, and thereby has earned their trust, according to some analysts.

    Recently amid speculation about his replacement, Yediyurappa’s younger son and state BJP Vice President B Y Vijayendra had held a series of meetings with prominent Veerashaiva-Lingayat seers, which had raised eyebrows in political circles.

    Siddharama Panditaradhya swamiji and Veera Someshwara Shivacharya Swami had even paid a visit to Yediyurappa’s home in Shivamogga, recently. However, Yediyurappa’s main detractors are also from within the community.

    Disgruntled BJP MLAs Basanagouda Patil Yatnal and Arvind Bellad, who are said to be among those at the forefront of the efforts that have been on for some time now seeking for CM’s replacement, belong to the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community.

    The community, which owes allegiance to the 12th century social reform movement initiated by Basaveshwara, has a substantial population in Karnataka, especially in the northern parts of the state.

    The politically influential community is considered to have a significant presence in about 140 of the total 224 assembly constituencies in the state, and decisive in about 90 seats, according to political observers.