BSY stunned, BL Santhosh picks protégé Naveen Kumar Kateel for BJP chief

Bengaluru: The clout of BJP national organising secretary B L Santosh did not end with selection of ministers for Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa's cabinet but extended to appointment of Lingayat strongman's successor as chief of the state unit of the party in three-time Member of Parliament, Naveen Kumar Kateel, on Tuesday.

Mr Kateel’s appointment sent shock waves through Mr Yediyurappa's camp as it signaled Mr Santosh's domination in matters concerning the party state unit. Mr Kateel, who has been representing Dakshina Kannada parliamentary constituency since 2009, was appointed the new state unit president without the consent of Mr Yediyurappa, according to sources in state unit of the party. BJP insiders believe the appointment of Mr Kateel signals a paradigm shift in functioning of the party with the central leadership taking complete control instead of individuals calling the shots.

Known as the party's Hindutva face, Mr Kateel joined the RSS at 18 and worked as convener of Dharma Jagaran Vibhag for five years.

He participated in Ramjanmabhoomi movement, and worked as BJP DK organizing secretary from 2004 to 2009. He is Kerala state BJP co-incharge, assisting Mr. Santhosh in party matters. Mr. Yediyurappa was in favour of appointing Aravind Limbavali as state unit chief, but an alleged sex audio of Mr. Limbavali forced the central leadership to rethink his appointment.

Another jarkiholi flies rebel flag

Some BJP MLAs who were left out of the ministry, including M.P. Renukacharya of Honnali and Chennagiri MLA Madal Virupakshappa, met at Arabhavi MLA Balachandra Jarkiholi's residence and held discussions. Balachandra Jarkiholi later met CM Yediyurappa at his residence and was closeted with him.
Speaking to reporters, he said he was not dissatisfied and that he and the other MLAs would support the CM in the functioning of the government. “The big challenge before us is relief in flood affected regions,” he said.