BJP Cracks Down on Dissidence in Karnataka

The BJP has issued show cause notices to five leaders from its Karnataka unit over factionalism and indiscipline. This move targets leaders like Katta Subramanya Naidu and MP Renukacharya, seen as close to state president BY Vijayendra. The leaders have 72 hours to justify their public comments.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka is in turmoil as the central leadership issued show cause notices to five prominent members for publicly airing internal disputes. The affected leaders include Katta Subramanya Naidu, MP Renukacharya, BP Harish, Shivaram Hebbar, and ST Somshekhar, who have been accused of breaching party discipline.

Internal factionalism has been simmering with a section of the party opposing the current state president BY Vijayendra. His supporters have also made statements against dissidents like Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, seeking disciplinary actions against them. This internal strife has led to warnings being issued by the party's central disciplinary committee, represented by Om Pathak.

The notices call for explanations from the leaders within 72 hours, cautioning that failure to respond may result in further disciplinary measures. The dissidents are accused of violating Article XXV of the BJP constitution, which governs breaches of discipline, by engaging in public disputes over organizational matters. This development underscores the ongoing power struggle within the state unit of the party.

(With inputs from agencies.)