Karnataka CM Yediyurappa at a press conference. (PTI file photo)
Diplomatic circles in Bengaluru are talking about the possibility of a qualified MLA from North Karnataka backed by RSS to replace him as chief minister by January 2021.
- CNN-News18 Bengaluru
- Last update: October 12, 2020 4:08 PM IST
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Karnataka’s chief minister, BS Yediyurappa, is a worried man. The main opposition Congress has stepped up attacks on his son, citing a huge commission of bribes in a deal. Many of his loyal MLAs have turned against him, questioning the son’s interference in the administration. The powerful factions opposing him are showing their muscles and the chairman of the state lightweight unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is becoming more assertive. Talks for the high command to replace him with someone younger and close to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) are gaining ground once again in political circles, causing sleepless nights for the CM and his family.
Above all, the lockdown caused by the Covid-19 pandemic has bankrupted the state treasury, worsening the already bleak economic situation.
The top brass in Congress are now training their weapons against BSY’s son BY Vijayendra, demanding a full investigation into an alleged bribery and money laundering. They have also named his son-in-law and a grandson as alleged beneficiaries of the scam. State police forcibly shut down a local Kannada news channel, Power TV, after they aired a series of stories exposing the scam.
Yediyurappa fears that a sustained campaign by the high command of Congress against his son and others will lead him to a bigger soup than his previous term between 2008 and 2011. The state Congress, which appeared to be friendly, has suddenly turned aggressive, training his weapons in BSY and family.
The BJP and the CM have denied the bribery charges, challenging Congress to provide evidence or face action. But insiders say they are concerned about the consequences, as the BJP high command is not really happy with the BSY regime.
Insiders admit that the allegations have some merit and an impartial investigation could cause a lot of trouble for the CM and his son.
Meanwhile, some of his loyal MLAs have also turned against him, expressing disgust at his operating style and accusing Vijayendra of meddling in administrative matters. Some openly rub shoulders with their rivals in the match, sending a clear message that when things get pear-shaped, they won’t be by their side.
Rumors that the BJP high command in New Delhi replaced him with someone younger and closer to the RSS appear to have puzzled Yediyurappa, 78. Even diplomatic circles in Bengaluru are talking about the possibility of a qualified MLA from North Karnataka backed by RSS to replace him by January 2021.
The BJP high command is also looking for potential congressional leaders, particularly from the Lingayat community, to engineer defections and lessen dependence on Yediyurappa.
Intra-party politics, family interference, a cautious high command, Covid-19, and a dire economic situation, etc., are wearing him down, Yediyurappa’s closest confidants admit.
Will Yediyurappa continue in 2021 or will someone top it? Neither the BJP high command nor Yediyurappa are sure.
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