LoP R Ashoka met Amit Shah last week and briefed him on sting operations case and political developments in the state
Bengaluru: With a string of local body elections due in 2027 and assembly elections in 2028, Karnataka BJP faces a crucial test of unity.
“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. 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.
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. 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. 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.