RSS fails to mend Karnataka BJP rift, may ask party bosses to step in

Mediation efforts by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) have not been able to solve the infighting within the Karnataka BJP.

The RSS had hoped that its intervention would ease the tension and promote cohesion. However, the failure to bring about any meaningful resolution has left the party divided, with the leaders of the warring factions pursuing their respective agendas without regard for the BJP’s broader interests.

This divide has become increasingly evident during major party events, such as the Bengaluru-Mysuru padayatra, where internal dissent hindered the BJP’s ability to project a united front. As internal discord deepens, especially after the Mysuru padayatra, the BJP’s attempts to weaken the Congress in the state may backfire, further dividing the party.

The issue has become so pressing now that the RSS is considering escalating the matter to the BJP’s central leadership, seeking their intervention in resolving the conflict, a senior RSS functionary told The Federal on condition of anonymity.

The two factions

Of the two warring factions, one is led by the party’s state unit president BY Vijayendra, son of former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, and one by senior BJP leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal. The deep divisions between these factions were laid bare during a recent meeting at the RSS office in Bengaluru. In the presence of senior RSS leaders, both groups put their foot down and showed no signs of striking a reconciliatory tone.

The meeting was held on Wednesday (September 11). Two days later, on September 13, the Yatnal faction went to the governor with a petition seeking Congress MP Tukaram’s post to be cancelled. citing his involvement in the Valmiki Corporation scam.

This was seen as a clear attempt to trump the Vijayendra faction, which has been conducting padayatras and other activities on the issue, but without consulting the rival faction. Despite the RSS’s advice to them to avoid public spats, the leaders continue to prioritize their own interests, disregarding the consequences for the party.

Why the RSS meeting was called

The meeting of RSS and BJP leaders was held after an instruction from the party high command. Both the warring factions lodged complaints against each other with the high command, Vijayendra’s team insinuating that Yatnal has the support of BJP National General Secretary BL Santhosh. The high command showed little interest, prompting the RSS to organize a reconciliation meeting.

The meeting in Belagavi was attended by 38 prominent BJP leaders, including Mukund CR (Saha Sarakaryavah) and N Thippeswamy (Pranth Karyavah) from the RSS, as well as BJP’s national organizing secretary BL Santhosh, brought together leaders like Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, Ramesh Jarkiholi, Arvind Limbavali, BY Vijayendra, R. Ashok, and Prahlad Joshi.

Vijayendra’s leadership challenged

Leaders such as Yatnal and Jarkiholi, supported by 12 others, including Arvind Limbavali and Pratap Simha, openly challenged Vijayendra’s leadership. Dissidents accuse Vijayendra and his father, BS Yediyurappa, of consolidating power unfairly and neglecting senior leaders.

Yatnal said Vijayendra’s influence stems from family connections, not merit. His remarks echoed that of Congress leader DK Shivakumar, intensifying factionalism within the BJP. Former MP Simha, on the other hand, accused him of unfairly denying him a ticket from his then constituency, Mysuru, during the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year. Simha also questioned Vijayendra’s claims about distributing party tickets based on merit, arguing that his actions didn’t align with his public statements, a senior leader revealed.

Vijayendra also faced accusations of making unilateral decisions without consulting senior leaders. Aravind Limbavali labelled him “immature” and “unfit to lead”, while Jarkiholi also expressed his dissatisfaction.

RSS suggestions

The RSS leaders urged both factions to prioritize unity and resolve their disputes privately rather than through public criticisms that could damage the party’s standing. The RSS also hinted at possible disciplinary action if the internal conflicts continued to be aired publicly.

To redirect the negative energies of both factions and foster unity, the RSS encouraged them to come together for a padayatra in Bellary, which is being organized to protest the Valmiki Corporation controversy. Though it has been announced by the Yatnal team in reply to the Mysuru Padayatra against the MUDA scam by the other team, the RSS leaders think it can be a crucial opportunity for the party to demonstrate solidarity and put aside internal differences.

The RSS hopes that the collective effort required for such a significant event could help mend the rift and bring the warring factions together. However, despite this focus on the padayatra, the underlying tensions remain unresolved.

Vijayendra’s silence

Vijayendra remained mostly silent during the meeting, which some saw as a strategic move to avoid escalating tensions. However, his silence frustrated party members who expected him to defend his leadership. Later, Vijayendra claimed he hadn’t intentionally harmed anyone and was merely fulfilling his assigned responsibilities.

However, the Yatnal faction is demanding the removal of Vijayendra as well as Opposition Leader in the Assembly, R Ashok. A leader from the Yatnal camp told The Federal that they will continue their activities until there is a change in leadership.

“Vijayendra and Ashok are not suitable for their positions, and we are unable to effectively challenge the Congress in the state. Despite the Congress government’s numerous wrongdoings, we have not been able to tackle them properly,” the leader said.

However, despite the RSS’s efforts, the rift in the Karnataka BJP is now too deep for them to bridge, said a senior party leader and former minister. So, it may not be long before the senior party leadership is compelled to enter the arena to mediate between the two factions.