New Delhi: Amid rising speculation about a possible change in the Karnataka BJP leadership, senior BJP leader and MLA R. Ashoka has categorically dismissed the rumours, asserting that B.Y. Vijayendra will continue as the state party president and that no complaint has been submitted against him to the party high command.
Speaking to a local television channel in Delhi on Friday, Ashoka said,
“There is no discussion underway regarding any leadership change in Karnataka. What you’re hearing is only media talk. No such decision has been taken, and there is no complaint against Vijayendra either.”
Over the past few days, reports had suggested that a few BJP leaders had travelled to Delhi to voice concerns against Vijayendra’s leadership, hinting at internal dissent and imminent leadership changes. However, Ashoka denied these reports, stating,
“I have not come to Delhi to lodge any complaint. I’m here as part of my routine quarterly reporting duty given by the party. The rumours around leadership change are entirely baseless.”
Key Quotes from R. Ashoka:
- “There’s been no discussion, no deadline, and no change. Even if there is any change, it will be decided by our national leadership, not at the state level.”
- “Appointments are being made across states, not just in Karnataka. Don’t read too much into it.”
- “There is no dissatisfaction about Vijayendra. No leader has permission in our party to arbitrarily lodge complaints against the state president.”
- “Even after three, four, or five days, nothing will change. The leadership remains stable.”
When asked about rumours that he had been in Delhi for the past three days specifically to submit a complaint against Vijayendra, Ashoka replied firmly,
“People can say what they want. That has nothing to do with me. I’ve not come here with any such motive.”
He further dismissed comparisons with the ongoing political turmoil in the Congress, where some MLAs are reportedly rebelling against the party’s functioning.
“That is Congress’ problem. Our party functions in a disciplined manner.”
Ashoka reiterated that any leadership-level decision will only be taken by the BJP’s central leadership, and that there is no internal pressure or dissent strong enough to warrant a change at this time.
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