Two central observers may shape the outcome of the LoP election, a decision expected to be reached based on the opinions of BJP lawmakers.
BJP has called for the legislature party meeting to elect opposition leaders on Friday. (supplied)
With BY Vijayendra formally taking up the reins as the president of the BJP’s Karnataka unit on Wednesday, 15 November, the political landscape in the state is poised for a significant shift.
The spotlight now turns to the eagerly awaited Legislature Party meeting of the BJP scheduled for Friday, where the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the state Assembly is expected to emerge.
Having officially taken charge on Wednesday, Vijayendra revealed that BJP national president JP Nadda was set to make his presence felt in Karnataka on Friday.
The much-anticipated meeting is expected to see Nadda presiding over the process of electing the LoP for both the Karnataka Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council.
As the political narrative unfolds, the Legislature Party meeting at 6 pm on Friday becomes a pivotal moment, with two central observers adding an element of intrigue.
The two observers appear poised to shape the outcome of the leaders’ election, a decision expected to be reached based on the collective opinion of BJP lawmakers.
Notably, the BJP, currently the principal Opposition party in the state, is yet to designate its Legislature Party leader — a role synonymous with being the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly.
The absence of this key leader was felt in the previous Karnataka Assembly session, held in July.
As the BJP state president post has been bestowed on the Lingayat community, the Opposition leaders are expected to be from either the influential Vokkaliga community or the Backward Classes (BCs).
Former deputy chief minister R Ashok and Dr CN Ashwath Narayan are frontrunners from the Vokkaliga community. Former minister Sunil Kumar is the frontrunner from the BCs. Rajajinagar MLA Suresh Kumar is also in the race.
For the LoP in the Council, former minister Kota Srinivas Poojary and MLCs Ravikumar, Tejaswini Gowda, and YA Narayanswamy are the contenders.
This process unfolds six months after the conclusion of the Karnataka Assembly polls. The timing is particularly apt as the state braces for the upcoming winter session, scheduled to commence on 4 December.
Vijayendra, after formally taking charge as the state BJP president, told reporters: “The Legislature Party meeting is scheduled for 6 pm on Friday. Central observers will be coming. We will get to know tomorrow who will be coming.”
He added: “The Leader of the Opposition is likely to be announced on the same day, based on the opinion of all the legislators, in the presence of central observers.”
It may also be noted that even after multiple appeals from state leaders, including former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai, the BJP showed hardly any interest in electing the LoP for the Assembly and the Council in the last six months.
The budget session of the 16th Karnataka Legislative Assembly concluded without an Opposition leader, which was a first in the history of Karnataka politics, as claimed by the Congress, which lost no opportunity to needle the BJP over it.
With the countdown having begun for the BJP Legislature Party meeting, leaders are said to be lobbying for the two major posts in the midst of tight competition.
Karnataka BJP general secretary and MLC N Ravikumar told South First: “The meeting will be held under the headship of national president JP Nadda. The party’s central leadership will consider the opinions of the legislators to elect the opposition leader for both the Legislative Assembly and the Council.”
He added: “The process of electing the LoP is not clear yet. The party might collect the opinions individually or ask everyone to vote at once. The high command will consider the opinions of the prominent leaders as well.”
On whether the party would consider caste equations while finalising the LoPs, he pointed out: “The party is expected to do social engineering while electing the Opposition leader.” He admitted that the race was among the Vokkaliga and BC leaders.
“There are many names making rounds for the major posts. When it comes to the Council, Kota Srinivas Poojary, Tejaswini Gowda, and I are in the race. If the party gives its blessings, I will manage it well. Even if the party elects others, I will remain loyal to the BJP,” said Ravikumar.
According to sources in the party, former minister Kota Srinivas Poojary is the frontrunner for the post of the LoP in the Council. However, a group of MLCs is vehemently opposing his elevation.
Refuting such developments, Ravikumar said: “None of the MLCs are opposing his name. He did good work when he was the leader of the Council. In the end, the party will elect suitable candidate for the vacant post.”
MLC and former minister Sunil Kumar told South First: “I don’t know whether the party will honour me with such a big responsibility. I am not an aspirant for the post.”
He added: “I am not a big fan of caste equations. If the party elects me, I will work sincerely. If not, I will remain a party karyakarta.”
(With PTI inputs)
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