BENGALURU: The defeat in the recent bypolls for Nanjangud and Gundlupet has triggered a fresh bout of dissidence in BJP against the leadership of state president B S Yeddyurappa.
The dissidents, who have termed themselves as loyal activists of the party, are set to meet on April 27 to discuss the state of affairs in the party and the measures needed “to save the party”.
Taking the lead, senior leader K S Eshwarappa chaired a meeting of leaders of Sangolli Rayanna Brigade on Thursday and said he would attend the meeting on April 27. “This cannot be construed as anti-party activity as the meeting has been convened by committed workers of the party with an intention to strengthen the organisation,” Eshwarappa said.
He questioned as to why Yeddyurappa has not cared to implement party national president Amit Shah’s instructions to reconsider the appointment of office-bearers of many district units of the party. The committee has not met even once, Eshwarappa said.
Eshwarappa reiterated his allegation that loyal, long-time party workers are being neglected and said the developments in the party would be brought to the notice of Amit Shah during his next visit to the state. Shah is expected to attend BJP’s state executive meeting to be held in Mysuru in May.
Eshwarappa indirectly blamed Yeddyurappa for the party’s loss in the bypolls.
Rayanna Brigade working president Mukundappa too blamed Yeddyurappa, without taking his name, for the defeat in the by-polls. “He (BSY) boasted of a big win with the support of 70,000 Veerashaiva and 70,000 dalit voters in Nanjangud. What happened?” Mukudappa said.