Rambhapuri Sri Warns BJP Against Sidelining Vijayendra, Urges Unity, Says Ignoring Lingayat Leadership Could Harm Party’s Electoral Prospects in Karnataka
Davanagere
Rambhapuri Mutt Sri Renuka Veera Someshwara Rajadeshikendra Shivacharya Mahaswamiji on Thursday said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would suffer politically if state president B.Y. Vijayendra was sidelined, drawing parallels with the challenges faced by former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa during his tenure.
Speaking at Honnali in Davanagere district, the seer said Yediyurappa had faced attempts by some within the party to undermine his leadership while serving as Chief Minister. He claimed that Vijayendra was now facing a similar situation and cautioned party leaders against repeating past mistakes.
The seer credited Yediyurappa with transforming the BJP in Karnataka from a marginal political force into a party capable of forming the government. He said the veteran leader had earned the trust of people across communities and had contributed significantly to the party’s growth in the state.
Praising Yediyurappa’s tenure, the seer said he had undertaken development works unmatched by previous chief ministers and had extended financial assistance to several religious institutions. He also observed that despite serving as Chief Minister four times, Yediyurappa was never allowed to complete a full term due to internal political challenges.
Referring to the current political situation, the seer said attempts to weaken Vijayendra’s leadership could adversely affect the BJP. He also remarked that neglecting the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community in leadership decisions would not produce the desired electoral results, recalling the consequences witnessed in previous elections.
Calling for unity within the BJP, the seer urged party leaders to avoid factionalism and work together. He said internal divisions would only benefit political opponents and appealed to the party’s central leadership to resolve differences within the Karnataka unit at the earliest.
Commenting on the alleged misuse of donations collected for the Ram Mandir, the seer said contributions had come from people of all sections of society and any financial irregularities should be dealt with firmly. He demanded strict action against those responsible and said misappropriated funds should be recovered and returned to the temple.