BJP’s silence: A party in transition

Shyam Sundar Vattam | NT

Bengaluru: The recent steep hike of Rs 3 per litre in Nandini milk price has brought the BJP’s approach to being an opposition party into sharp focus.

While the Congress Party performed admirably as a strong opposition between 2019 and 2023, the BJP appears to have lost its instinct for holding protests and processions, even when B.S. Yediyurappa was the Opposition leader in the State Legislative Assembly.

It is evident that the BJP has yet to fully come to terms with its new role as the opposition party after being the ruling party for some time.

However, it seems that the BJP is still in the mindset of being a ruling party, which has hindered its ability to respond actively to issues affecting the public. The BJP’s lack of protests on the issue of Nandini milk price hike raises questions about the party’s approach and strategy.

In contrast, the Congress government has taken advantage of the situation, increasing the prices of goods and services without facing strong opposition. This lack of a vocal and organized opposition has allowed Congress to implement its decisions without significant resistance.

Moreover, the BJP’s reliance on the Janata Dal (Secular) for protests and demonstrations further reflects its current state of transition.

The party’s hesitation to hold independent agitations and instead wait for the return of JD(S) leader and former CM H.D. Kumaraswamy (from abroad) indicates a lack of assertiveness as an opposition party.

The delayed appointment of the new State Party President and Leader of the Opposition in the State Legislative Assembly has added to the BJP’s frustration. As a result, state BJP leaders seem to have gone into silent mode, demonstrating a lack of proactive leadership.

The current state of the BJP in Karnataka highlights the party’s need for introspection and adaptation to its new role as an opposition party.