The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) appointed Vijayendra Yediyurappa, the son of former Karnataka chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa, as its state unit president on Friday. Vijayendra, who won as an MLA from the Shikaripura seat in the last assembly polls, has replaced Nalinkumar Kateel. The 47-year-old leader is considered the political heir to Yediyurappa, marking an acknowledgment of the veteran Lingayat leader's lasting influence on the party's fortunes.
Following the announcement, Vijayendra met his father to seek his blessings.
Thanking the BJP high command, he said, "I would like to thank our national president JP Nadda for giving me the opportunity to serve as president of BJP in Karnataka. I would also like to thank PM Modi and Amit Shah for reposing faith in me. Our main aim will be to ensure that party wins the maximum number of Lok Sabha seats in the state and it further gets strengthened."
"As an humble karyakartha, I am deeply honoured to serve the party with utmost dedication & commitment. Its the blessings of our beloved people, karyakarthas & our great leaders, that will act as my guiding force in this new role," he posted on X.
This decision comes after months of speculation about a change in leadership in Karnataka, especially following the BJP's significant defeat to the Congress in the May polls.
While it was anticipated that the BJP would select a Lingayat leader to lead its state unit, the decision to choose a first-time MLA, disregarding dynastic considerations, is notable. This move highlights the continuing political significance of Yediyurappa, despite his exit from electoral politics, and challenges the party's usual stance against dynastic politics.
Notably, Yediyurappa's elder son, B.Y. Raghavendra, is a Lok Sabha MP, and the BJP has generally aimed to avoid promoting more than one family member in politics.
Tejasvi Surya, the National President of BJP Yuva Morcha, congratulated Vijayendra Yediyurappa on X (formerly Twitter) emphasising his organisational acumen and leadership qualities, expressing hope for the BJP's strengthened position in Karnataka under his guidance.
"Hearty congratulations to Shri @BYVijayendra Anna who has been appointed as the state president of the BJP Karnataka unit. It is certain that under his organizational acumen & leadership the BJP party will become stronger and voice the aspirations of the people of the state," he posted on X.
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