BJP rebellion intensifies and gets broad-based after show-cause notice episode

Intensifying rebellion in BJP Karnataka unit prompts show-cause notice, with sympathizers among senior leaders emerging.

The rebellion in the BJP’s Karnataka unit appears to have not only intensified but is also getting broad-based after the issuing of a show-cause notice to rebel leader Basanagouda R. Patil Yatnal, contrary to his political rivals’ expectation that it would silence the group.

While the rebel group, including Mr. Yatnal, has continued its tirade against party State president B.Y. Vijayendra, it is turning out that this group has sympathisers among some senior leaders, including party MPs. Though none of them has openly defended Mr. Yatnal or spoken against issuing the show-cause notice to him, some leaders are learnt to have started hinting that they are not opposed to the issues raised by Mr. Yatnal.

Some of the leaders who have remained neutral are learnt to be airing a view that it is better for the party’s central leadership to resolve the issue amicably rather than taking any serious action against Mr. Yatnal, as that may further intensify groupism in the party. A senior leader in the BJP State unit said that considering how the dissidence has intensified, the party central leadership is likely to focus on resolving the problem rather than precipitating it.

A few leaders from North Karnataka are also said to be cautious that they do not want to antagonise the Panchamashali Lingayat community to which Mr. Yatnal belongs.

Meanwhile, Mr. Yatnal and his team, who are in Delhi, met the chairperson of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Jagadambika Pal, on Tuesday and briefed him about their findings on the waqf land issue in the light of their parallel campaign being taken up in Karnataka. Sources close to the rebel group said they are also trying to meet the party central leadership to air their views.

Meanwhile, supporters of Mr. Vijayendra have upped their ante and are demanding that the party crack the whip on Mr. Yatnal by expelling him. Several district-level leaders who were in Bengaluru on Tuesday to attend a meeting regarding the strengthening of the party organisation are learnt to have demanded stern action against rebels.