BJP changes leadership within eighteen months

HAVERI

The BJP named a new district president for Haveri, with former MLA Virupakshappa Ballari taking over from Ranebennur's former MLA Arunkumar Pujar, who took office on February 1, 2024. Pujar's tenure was marked by several controversies, leading to disappointment among senior party leaders. The leadership selected Virupakshappa to ensure continued good relations with the Panchamasali community, a sub-sect of Veerashaiva Lingayat.Despite limited organisational experience, Virupakshappa's background includes service as a Zilla Panchayat member and as Byadagi constituency's MLA in 2018, though he lost in the 2023 elections. His strong associations with former Chief Ministers BS Yediyurappa and Basavaraj Bommai, combined with his financial resources to support party activities, led to his selection for reorganising the party and rebuilding trust among BJP leaders in the district.The previous district president, Arun Kumar Pujar, concentrated primarily on Ranibennur, which hindered effective party organisation and leadership trust.

Despite the BJP's numerical superiority in the Ranibennur city council, it couldn't establish control. Last year, BJP workers from Haveri taluk allegedly assaulted Pujar over office bearer appointments. These incidents, along with allegations of working against party interests, influenced the leadership's decision to appoint Virupakshappa as the new district President to strengthen the party's structure. Virupakshappa Ballari stated that he would fulfil his responsibilities as district President. “In line with the directions from BJP State President BY Vijayendra and former Chief Minister and MP Basavaraj Bommai, we will build the party from the grassroots level,” he assured.

“Throughout last eighteen months, I served as the BJP district president of Haveri, contributing actively to the party's organisational structure. I am sincerely thankful to the state BJP President Vijayendra, MP Basavaraj Bommai, former legislators for entrusting me with the responsibility to serve the party,” said Arun Kumar Pujar, outgoing President.