Bengaluru: By ensuring thumping victory for the party candidates in the Sira and RR Nagar by-elections and putting an end to the demands for a change of the Chief Minister, BS Yediyurappa has managed to kill two birds with one stone.
He has not only ensured a bright political future for son BY Vijayendra but has also sent a message to a few party leaders who raised the demand for change in the party-state leadership.
Leaders who criticised BSY of running a government formed through Operation Kamala and not by popular support were silenced after the saffron party won in the by-elections.
At the time of debate in the recently concluded state assembly session over the no-confidence motion brought by the Indian National Congress, CM Yediyurappa had challenged that he will win both the constituencies in the by-elections and show that people's blessings are with the party and his government.
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CM BS Yediyurappa kept his words given to Munirathna who along with 16 other Congress and JD(S) legislators resigned ensuring that JDS-Congress coalition government in the state falls and joined the BJP.
First, he was ensured party ticket and later a win. On the last day of by-election campaign, CM BSY visited the RR Nagar and announced that Munirathna will be made a minister and voters need to bless him with their votes.
BJP's traditional votes, Munirathna loyalists and CM's minister post-announcement worked out in the election ensuring Munirathna's victory.
BJP creates history in Sira
Sira by-election result is legendary in the history of BJP state unit as the right-wing party never won here. Adding to this, there was a belief that BJP will not even retain its seat. However, this time BJP was able to snatch this constituency starting a new political chapter of Sira.
Easy wins both in Sira and RR Nagar by-election is the proof of the popularity and the influence of the BSY led BJP state government in the Karnataka.
It is the first by-election after COVID-19 outbreak in the state and people supported BJP. The party's win amid the pandemic and economic crisis has brought new energy to the CM BSY.
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Now, BSY aims to spread his political career in New Delhi. With the BJP's rule of not giving leadership role to leaders above the age of 75, BS Yediyurappa has proved to be an exception for this. Even though he crossed 77 years, BSY is still allowed to continue as the CM.
At high command level, this age issue was used to change the leadership often. However, by-election results proved that it is not easy to change BSY from the CM post. This message is now sent to the party high command. Easy win in the by-elections has cemented his post further.
Political future of son also secured
BJP planned mass leadership in Sira to win the by-elections. A team was formed for this and under the leadership of BY Vijayendra, the campaigning was done. He stayed back at Sira; carried out campaign everywhere. He took the party campaign to nook and corner of the constituency. Earlier he won the KR Pet in Mandya for the party. With this, he proved his mettle and sent a strong message to the party high command about his organisational skills.
BY Vijayendra who is now party state unit vice president has often faced criticism within the party. A few leaders alleged that Vijayendra is interfering in the administration. They were questioning his experience in politics and social service. But now he has answered his critics by ensuring party victory in Sira also securing his political future in the party.
High command intervention unlikely
Following the party's robust performance in the by-election, BJP high command is unlikely to intervene in the party-state affairs. Party national leaders are now aware that it is not the right time to question BSY leadership. So, they may not hear the grievances of the party dissidents meaning that BSY is safe for now.
