Overhaul? Santosh remark creates turbulence in BJP

By Shyam Sundar Vattam | NT

Bengaluru: The statement by BJP National Organising Secretary B.L.Santosh on overhauling the government in Karnataka has created turbulence in the state unit.

The high command, till recently had scotched rumours about the replacement of incumbent Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai with another senior leader. This was confirmed not only by Union Home Minister Amit Shah but also by BJP National President J.P. Nadda. But the rumour mill has once again became active now indicating a possible change of guard before the 2023 Assembly polls.

The series of bunglings of the Bommai government in the last six months on the hijab row, Halal meat controversy, ban on Muslim traders at Hindu temples and removal of loudspeakers from mosques seem to have angered the high command.

Meanwhile, Vijayapura City MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal has welcomed Santosh’s statement and said it was high time the high command put an end to dynastic politics in Karnataka. This rule must be implemented in toto without showing any mercy or leniency to anyone including state leaders, he said.

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has kept mum on the subject and seems confident that he would be allowed to continue as CM till the next election as promised by Shah in Davangere five months ago.