Bangalore: BJP in Damage Control Mode: Reins in Leaders, Warns of Stringent Action

Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Jun 8: The BJP leadership, taken aback by the sudden, unexpected dissidence in the party factions in the state that is threatening to snowball into a major revolt against the Chief Minister, has quickly moved in to control damage the image of the party might suffer due to these unsavoury developments. The party leadership has warned its ministers, legislators and other leaders not to issue any statements in public on the issue.

The top brass of the BJP has realized the necessity to douse the sparks before they develop into flames. The party high command has taken the issue seriously, and asked the state leaders to initiate disciplinary action against those who are found to be violating party discipline. State president of the party D V Sadanand Gowda has warned the detractors of the Chief Minister not to come out with any public statements relating to the dispute.

"There is no need to be apprehensive of the stability of the state government headed by the BJP. If there is any displeasure or difference of opinion, they should be brought in the party forum and not through the media. All the legislators and ministers have been issued memos in this regard, warning them of the consequences of washing the dirty linen in public," he informed.

Minister K S Eshwarappa had sorted out issues after holding dialogues with the party leadership at Delhi. Even after the disputes were resolved, he resorted to issuing media statements. This should be stopped with immediate effect. The party had kept mum, considering the seniority of Eshwarappa. If he continues with his present style of functioning, he will face dire consequences, Gowda warned.

"These differences of opinion had not cropped up at the parliamentary party meeting held after the election. They are emerging now, also because of the conspiracy hatched by a couple of mischief mongers. The party high command has viewed these developments seriously. In the meanwhile, party observers have been appointed to all the 28 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state to assess both victory and defeat of the party candidates, he divulged.