BY Vijayendra formally takes charge of Karnataka BJP, pledges to achieve electoral triumph

Related: Deve Gowda asks Vijayendra to fight LS polls without confusion

Support from ex-CMs

Vijayendra was bolstered by the presence of former chief ministers and senior party leaders at the formal takeover at the state party headquarters — Jagannath Bhavan — in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

At the event, Vijayendra expressed his commitment to meeting the party’s expectations, emphasising the attainability of an ambitious target in next year’s Lok Sabha elections.

In his address, he underscored the necessity of a comprehensive win in the elections to strengthen Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

He also cited concerns about the state’s economy and criticised the incumbent Congress government for its alleged lack of investment as well as developmental shortcomings.

Vijayendra also said he aimed to overcome the setbacks faced in the 2023 Assembly elections and reinforce the organisational structure to meet the challenges ahead in order to unite the party.

Yediyurappa told reporters on Wednesday: “Another grand ceremony will be held, where Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national president JP Nadda will be present.”

The party is planning the “grand ceremony” to crown Vijayendra the new Karnataka BJP president.

Also read: Vijayendra tackles Karnataka BJP internal discord, bats for unity

‘Target to win all LS seats in Karnataka’

Shikaripura MLA Vijayendra formally donned the mantle of Karnataka BJP president with a mantra of “Empower the Karyakarta, Empower the Booth, and Empower the Nation”.

It was a formal ceremony, attended by prominent party leaders including former chief ministers Sadananda Gowda and Basavaraj Bommai, displaying unity in the party. Party workers gave a grand welcome to the newly appointed state president.

The outgoing state president, Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, had completed his three-year term in August 2022. He received an extension for the 2023 Assembly polls, and handed over charge to Vijayendra on Wednesday.

Vijayendra had earlier served as the Karnataka BJP general secretary and vice-president.

“Empower the Karyakartha, Empower the Booth, Empower the Nation”

I am greatly humbled and honoured to be assuming the role of President of BJP Karnataka from Shri Nalin Kumar Kateel ji.
“Days of Jan Sangh,
Sacrifices of our Seniors,
Efforts & dedication of Karyakarthas”… pic.twitter.com/xvjvnqgIXF

— Vijayendra Yediyurappa (@BYVijayendra) November 15, 2023

In his inaugural address, Vijayendra emphasised his commitment to the party’s goals, stating, “I will work sincerely to live up to the expectations of the party leadership. I want to assure the party leadership and every Karyakarta that I will work sincerely for the party.”

Expressing ambitious electoral aspirations, Vijayendra declared, “I have set a target of winning all 28 seats in the state in the Lok Sabha elections. This target is achievable.”

He exuded confidence in the party’s ability to secure such a victory, and drew attention to the successful performance in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in Karnataka.

He also recalled his father Yediyurappa’s vision: “When he set a goal of winning 25 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, many people laughed at it, but he got it done.”

Acknowledging the setback in the Karnataka Assembly elections, Vijayendra said: “It is essential to win all the 28 parliament seats from Karnataka to strengthen the hands of Prime Minister Modi, who has been toiling day and night to build a strong nation.”

Addressing concerns about his appointment and Congress jibes about “dynasty politics”, Vijayendra clarified, “I have been given the responsibility as a party worker, and not just because I am the son of Yediyurappa.”

He reiterated his commitment to inclusivity, stating, “I will take everyone into confidence to strengthen the party in the state.”

Related: Vijayendra meets Deve Gowda, Bommai ahead of taking charge

Vijayendra attacks Congress

Vijayendra also launched a scathing attack on the Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government, highlighting the discontent among ruling-party MLAs over the administration’s apparent failure to deliver development grants since assuming office.

Asserting the lack of any significant investments in the state since the Siddaramaiah government took charge, Vijayendra pointed to its apparent inability to execute development projects in Congress MLAs’ constituencies.

He noted that Congress legislators had openly expressed dissatisfaction with the administration’s failure to provide development grants.

Promising a robust response to what he deemed was a corrupt government, the Karnataka BJP president voiced concerns about the government’s inability to address the prevailing extreme drought, dealing a severe blow to the state’s farmers.

“The state government has failed to initiate drought relief measures. The ministers have failed to visit the drought-hit districts. The ministers are full of ego and pride in power. Work should be done to remove this government,” Vijayendra concluded.

ಬರಗಾಲದ ಪರಿಸ್ಥಿತಿಯಲ್ಲೂ ಉಸ್ತುವಾರಿ ಸಚಿವರುಗಳು ನಿರ್ಲಕ್ಷ್ಯ ವಹಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ರೈತರ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಗೆ ಸ್ಪಂದಿಸುವುದನ್ನು ಮರೆತು, ಅಧಿಕಾರದ ದರ್ಪ, ಉದ್ಧಟತನದಿಂದ ವರ್ತಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ.

ಹಗಲುದರೋಡೆ, ಭ್ರಷ್ಟಾಚಾರ ಮೇರೆ ಮೀರಿದೆ, ಭ್ರಷ್ಟಾಚಾರದ ಅನುಷ್ಠಾನ ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ ಸರ್ಕಾರದಿಂದ ಆಗುತ್ತಿದೆ. ಭ್ರಷ್ಟ ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ ಸರ್ಕಾರಕ್ಕೆ ತಕ್ಕ… pic.twitter.com/MEuMkEVke5

— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) November 15, 2023