Special Political Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Apr 25: According to sources close to BJP in Karnataka, the reason behind B Y Vijayendra, son of former chief minister Yeddyurappa not getting the ticket is not that the party high command did not want him to contest, but the key role played by an internal feud within the family on the issue of Yeddyurappa's 'successor'.
Vijayendra was fully involved in the Varuna constituency for the past few weeks, ever since CM Siddaramaiah's son Dr Yathindra decided to contest from the same place. He had support from BJP's grassroot level workers, but just before the day of nomination filing, Yeddyurappa made the shocking announcement before the media: "My son Vijayendra is not filing nomination from Varuna, instead ticket will be given to a common BJP worker and Vijayendra will put his efforts into ensuring BJP's win not only in Varuna but other nearby constituencies too."
This move did not go down well with the BJP workers. But hardly anyone is aware that there were 'unseen' hands playing behind the scene.
Yeddyurappa's other son B S Raghavendra is active in politics. He was former MP, and is the current MLA from Shikaripura. Vijayendra who was not active in politics had a desire to make his entry, but reportedly, his father was not in favour of this. When two of the three sisters of Vijayendra realised that he wanted to become his father's successor, they supported him and cajoled Yeddyurappa into agreeing to it. Thereafter, on the former CM's instructions, Vijayendra started his work in Varuna much before the election announcement.
But the other powerful person in BJP, and very close aide of B S Yeddyurappa, Shobha Karandlaje had a different idea. Though she had cordial relation with the entire family, she always had an eye on Yeddyurappa's post. She wanted to take over the reins from Yeddyurappa, according to reports. She was able to convince B S Raghavendra (with whom she has cordial relation) and started putting pressure on Yeddyurappa to withdraw Vijayendra from Varuna. Forecasting trouble within the family, Yeddyurappa reportedly did not want this problem to spill outside the four walls, and wanted to close the matter before the election. That is the reason for Vijayendra missing the ticket from Varuna, say BJP sources.
Vijayendra's sister Uma tried her best to get Varuna ticket, as the sisters did not want Shobha to take Yeddyurappa's place in politics. But their efforts failed.
The problem might have resolved for the time being, but the days ahead will be tough for Yeddyurappa as misunderstanding within the family continues.
Other sources in the BJP say it is good that Vijayendra missed the ticket. Otherwise, it would have been embarassing for the party to continue the dynasty jibe against the Gandhis.
A few people sense that Karnataka might go MGR-Jayalaltiha, Kanshiram-Mayawati, NTR-Parvathi way in the coming years!
Also Read: