After months of speculation, BY Vijayendra has been appointed as the president of Karnataka BJP for a three-year term. This move is aimed at consolidating the party’s core support base among Lingayats. Yediyurappa, who was appointed as president of the state unit three times, retired from active politics last year.
The appointment comes six months after the BJP government was ousted by the Congress in the May assembly polls. The elevation of Vijayendra comes at a time when the party is facing disarray following its poll defeat.
The party’s desperation to win back Lingayats – its major vote bank – ahead of the LS polls prompted Vijayendra’s promotion. Despite being eased out of electoral politics, Yediyurappa continues to wield political importance, as evident by Vijayendra’s appointment.
By making Vijayendra the state unit chief, the party aims to appeal to the Lingayat community and maintain a good relationship with Yediyurappa before the crucial parliamentary polls in the state. Yediyurappa had been lobbying for his son’s appointment for many months now.