MYSURU: The BJP state unit wrapped up its executive committee meeting on Sunday but failed to achieve much. Neither could it send a message of unity and boost the morale of partymen ahead of the 2018 Assembly polls nor was there any sign of thaw in the relations between the two senior leaders B S Yeddyurappa and K S Eshwarappa.
Though party leaders claim that all is well, the negative vibes between the two leaders has only further widened the chasm between the two factions. Many at the meeting had hoped that both Yeddyurappa and Eshwarappa would bury their differences and take control of the party in line with the central leadership’s advice. But it now seems that the ego battle will continue to haunt the party.
Insiders feel that unity is the need of the hour in the BJP as the rank and file are upset and demoralised due to the infighting that has peaked after the party’s loss in the Nanjangud and Gundlupet bypolls.
In contrast, the Congress leadership seems more united after the twin wins. The BJP had started off well ahead of the bypolls but looks to have lost the plot now, which would give the Congress and JD(S) an upper hand, partymen feel.
Many admitted that it started out on a dull note and ended without any clarity on many issues. They expressed fear that the party’s poll prospects may be dented if the two leaders don’t come together soon.
Eshwarappa has his say
Although the state executive schedule did not have any mention of Eshwarappa addressing the meeting on both the days, the media glare over the infighting ensured that he got an opportunity to speak on the drought situation and the state government’s failures. The Yeddyurappa faction also saw to it that the media was kept out of the proceedings on Sunday. State organising secretary Santhosh, who was also in Yeddyurappa’s line of fire, advised partymen to involve in social service and win the hearts of the people.