Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Aug 1: As soon as the BJP rose to power in the state, lobbying for the post of the state president of the party has hotted up. BJP will have a new president as former president, Yediyurappa, has become the chief minister.

Intensive activities were held behind the scenes even before the Lok Sabha election was held, for the post of the saffron party's state president. Although Yediyurappa was holding two posts, one of the leader of the opposition in the state assembly and the other of the state BJP president, and he was prepared to forego state president's post, the top leadership had not given it serious consideration. The issue has gained prominence once again now.

Aravind Limbavali (left) and C T Ravi

The competition for the post seems to have whittled down to MLAs Aravind Limbavali and C T Ravi, although the name of Karkala MLA, V Sunil Kumar, also was making the rounds. Names of MPs Shobha Karandlaje and Nalin Kumar Kateel are also under consideration, sources said. At the same time there has been vociferous call for giving this post to a person from North Karnataka.

Ravi is a strong Hindutva exponent who is backed by the experience of functioning as general secretary of the party thrice. He is considered close to B L Santosh, national organizing secretary of the BJP. As he belongs to Vokkaliga community which has strong presence in Mysuru and Malnad areas, he is expected to be of advantage to the party.

Aravind Limbavali has worked as general secretary of the party several times. He is said to have played a major role in Operation Lotus. He is very close to Yediyurappa unlike Ravi, it is said. He has good relationship with the party's national working president, J P Nadda. Many believe that choosing him as state president of the party will help the party to consolidate on dalit votes.