Bengaluru: With a string of local body elections due in 2027 and assembly elections in 2028, Karnataka BJP faces a crucial test of unity. The party is divided over leadership and the clout of the family of former chief minister BS Yediyurappa.Nov could prove decisive. State president BY Vijayendra completes three years, and central brass must decide whether to extend his tenure or install a new chief to steer the party through the next electoral cycle.Vijayendra is confident of another term. Supporters cite the 170km Ballari padayatra in Sept, which brought senior functionaries onto one platform and ensured the party targeted Congress govt over alleged corruption and governance failures. But critics say rallying cadres is not the same as uniting factions.“There is nothing substantial to brag about in his tenure, especially in strengthening the party and infusing confidence in cadre,” said a senior BJP functionary.Vijayendra’s recent meeting with expelled MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, a vocal critic, has fuelled talk of a thaw, but it is no settlement. “I support Modi at the Centre,” Yatnal said. “But in Karnataka, if there is a change at the helm, it will set the platform for reconciliation talks to begin.”Choosing a new chief means balancing seniority, community representation and organisational control. Union minister V Somanna and deputy LoP Arvind Bellad are among the names doing the rounds as Vijayendra’s potential replacement. Former minister Murugesh Nirani also figures in reports, while former minister V Sunil Kumar and others are eyeing the assembly LoP post. Incumbent R Ashoka is reportedly in Delhi to meet Amit Shah to seek an extension.Somanna (76) is seen as a man who maintains ties across factions and can work with ally JD(S), which is central to the party’s strategy. Age is his only drawback. Bellad (57), a successful businessman with a mechanical engineering degree, offers a different pitch. From the powerful Panchamasali Lingayat subsect, he could bring generational change while keeping the party’s emphasis on that community and building a team that works closely with the ally.Nirani, also a Panchamasali, has experience of serving in different govts. But his business interests and financial challenges are believed to weigh adversely on his prospects.However, neither name has the central brass’ endorsement, and the party has sprung surprises before. Its call will depend on whether continuity under Vijayendra offers a better chance of restoring organisational discipline. A senior functionary said discussions have been on for months.The test goes beyond the top post. The party must prepare for panchayat polls and elections to Bengaluru’s five city corporations under Greater Bengaluru Authority, testing its booth-level organisation and its ability to convert attacks into votes.Political strategist MB Maramkal said BJP must reach out to sidelined senior functionaries, including Yatnal and KS Eshwarappa, and back reconciliation with concrete organisational changes. “The party must resolve its differences soon and build a cohesive team ahead of the 2028 assembly polls and 2029 Lok Sabha elections,” he said.
