BJP all set to launch ‘Operation Kamala’ to poach leaders of other parties

Shyam Sundar Vattam I NT

Bengaluru: Ahead of the crucial 2023 Assembly polls, the ruling BJP has resolved to resume ‘Operation Kamala’ to poach important political leaders and personalities from different sections of society who are capable of winning the election.

This has been openly indicated by BJP National General Secretary C.T.Ravi who is tipped to be the successor of State BJP President Nalin Kumar Kateel, as retaining power has become a matter of prestige for them.

The saffron party is aware of its strengths and weaknesses in all five regions of the State -Kalyana Karnataka, Kittur Karnataka, Central Karnataka, Coastal Karnataka, and South Karnataka, and plans to work out a strategy as per the requirements of the region.

The party is in a better position in Kalyana Karnataka, Kittur Karnataka, and Coastal Karnataka while it stands a 50:50 chance in Central Karnataka but is lagging behind in South Karnataka. To win the election, especially in this region, it needs to have good candidates who can wield influence over the dominant Vokkaliga community.

The BJP does not have leaders of such calibre in this region for which they have to poach MLAs or former legislators of the Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) and make them candidates in the coming election.

Sources close to Ravi told News Trail that two rounds of talks have been held with some leaders and they have agreed to jump ship at the right time. Most of them have pleaded anonymity until the next two months, and thereafter they have volunteered to come before the media to announce their joining the BJP.

Bureaucrats, retired and serving targeted? Sources said the lotus party is targeting serving or retired bureaucrats, doctors, advocates, and celebrities from other sections of society to become candidates in the coming Assembly polls.

They are looking at those who can wield influence in society and get votes. A few JD(S) MLAs are said to be in contact with BJP leaders and they have shown interest to join the saffron party in the next few weeks.