Action will be taken against dissenters who diminish party's charisma: BJP leader

Taking a jibe at dissenters within Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party, Arun Singh, said stringent action will be taken against those who diminish the party's charisma. The state party in charge held a discussion with 50 MLAs in the party office.

Bengaluru: Karnataka BJP in-charge Arun Singh said stringent action will be taken against those who diminish the party's charisma. During the three-day visit to the state to resolve the feud within the party, Singh held discussions with 50 MLAs in the party office in Malleshwaram.

When asked about leadership change, he said, some party members have been diminishing the party's charisma. BJP state president Nalin Kumar Kateel and other leaders have been keeping track of them. The discussion also revolved around possible action to be taken against them. He said some dissenters insulted the leaders by issuing statements against them.

Further, Singh said two or three party leaders are trying to reduce the efforts of leaders by making anti-party statements. There will be no hesitation to take stern action against them, he said. Regarding MLA Arvind Bellad's phone tapping allegation, he said the matter was not noticed. "I will get information on this and respond," he said.

Reiterating that all is well in the party, he said all legislators and party members are satisfied with the party's performance. Legislators are allowed to consult with all ministers, he said. Further, he said topics including World Yoga Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led development projects, functioning of opposition parties like the Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular) were discussed.

Singh is scheduled to hold a meeting of party officials on Friday. Sources said the party will discuss preparations for upcoming elections, by-elections, how to deliver government's programs effectively to people including the yoga day celebration. The core committee meeting will be held at 4 pm on Friday. He is expected to comment on feud within the party and address MLAs' dissatisfaction. Singh is to submit a detailed report to the High Command regarding the strife.