Vijayendra also hit out at former BJP leaders Laxman Savadi and Jagadish Shettar leaving the party, while he questioned the Congress, accusing the BJP of sidelining Lingayat leaders. (File photo: @Vijayendra Yeddyurappa/Twitter)
With party workers calling for Vijayendra to be Karnataka’s next chief minister in several election campaigns, the leader said he would need people’s approval
BJP Karnataka Vice President BY Vijayendra, who is campaigning extensively across Karnataka, has said that the party would have been in a better position if his father BS Yeddyurappa had continued as the chief minister.
Speaking exclusively to News18.com, BY Vijayendra said, “I do not deny the fact that if Yeddyurappa ji had continued as the CM, BJP would have probably been in a better position. Yediyurappa himself decided to step down to make way for a new generation of leaders. He himself had taken the decision in the interest of the party and it was welcomed by all. Congress is trying to make it an issue.
Vijayendra for Chief Minister campaign
With party workers calling for Vijayendra as the next chief minister in several election campaigns, the BJP’s future leader in Karnataka said he would need people’s approval.
“I don’t shy away from the fact that wherever I travel, there are a lot of enthusiastic youth cheering in this direction (Vijayendra for Chief Minister). But there is a long way to go. BJP is a national party. Ultimately it is the high command. Will decide. Also let the people of Karnataka accept you as their leader. A leader emerges not on the basis of any post but on the acceptance of the people. I have firm faith in that,” Vijayendra said.
Taking on Siddaramaiah in Varuna
The party leadership was seriously considering fielding Vijayendra from Varuna against former CM and Congress leader Siddaramaiah. The constituency, which has a substantial base of Lingayat votes, was seen as an ideal seat to defeat Vijayendra. But BS Yeddyurappa immediately scrapped the idea and ensured his son’s candidature from Shikaripura. Speaking about the episode, Vijayendra pointed to the support he received in Siddaramaiah’s bastion.
“I don’t want to comment on this issue but the people of Varuna, our cadre, love me a lot even today. After my enrollment in Shikaripura, my first visit was to Varuna. If I am recognized all over Karnataka apart from being Yediyurappa’s son, it is because of the contribution of Varuna workers, they show so much love and affection. But ultimately it was the party’s decision and I had to abide by the decision of the high command,” explained the BJP state vice-president.
BJP has given three Lingayat CMs
Vijayendra also hit out at former BJP leaders Laxman Savadi and Jagadish Shettar leaving the party, while he questioned the Congress, accusing the BJP of sidelining Lingayat leaders.
“BJP is a cadre based party and is not dependent on a few leaders. I don’t see much change. The party has given everything to Laxman Savadi and Jagadish Shettar. When we are looking towards the future of BJP, the party is bound to take tough decisions. It was a good decision in the interest of the party. I am glad that Congress has accepted what happened to Virendra Patil ji (Former Karnataka CM of Congress). Congress cannot fool people. They know how the party has treated the Veerashaiva Lingayat community. The BJP has given three chief ministers from the community. The present CM is from the community,” Vijayendra explained.
Amit Shah reached Yeddyurappa’s residence
The video of the incident was going viral on social media and many experts saw it as a turning point in Vijayendra’s political journey. The BJP candidate from Shikaripura calls it a dream come true moment.
“Amit Shah has amount of respect for Yediyurappa and vice versa. Even after resignation, BSY is a big leader in Karnataka who is giving 100% effort. It was a great opportunity and a dream come true for me. I am a big follower of Amit Shah. He discussed Karnataka, he understands Karnataka very well now,” says Vijayendra.
read all latest politics news Here
