New Delhi/ Bengaluru: In a major boost for BJP state president B.S. Yeddyurappa, party national president Amit Shah anointed him as the CM face ahead of the 2018 Assembly polls, putting to rest any speculation that the BJP was considering alternatives following voices of dissent against the former CM.
During an interaction with the media in New Delhi, Shah said, "The Karnataka election will be fought under Yeddyurappa." Asked if it meant Yeddyurappa will be the CM face, he said, "He will be."
The state unit has been facing a wave of dissent with a group headed by former deputy chief minister K.S. Eshwarappa targeting Yeddyurappa's leadership. What set off the war of words was Eshwarappa's decision to float the 'apolitical' Sangolli Rayanna Brigade, to which Yeddyurappa took offence, claiming it would challenge his leadership.
However, Eshwarappa continues to play truant, and reportedly has the backing of several senior RSS and BJP leaders including BJP national joint organising secretary B.L. Santosh.
To a question on the state of affairs in the BJP in Karnataka, Shah said he would visit the state soon. The party had recently taken action against some leaders, suspected to be behind the wrangling.
