Bengaluru: A raging factional feud is threatening to derail BJP’s plans of an upset in the Bagalkot assembly bypoll, even as the contest is shaping into a direct face-off between chief minister Siddaramaiah and BJP state president BY Vijayendra. With both taking charge of their respective campaigns, the byelection has turned into a high-stakes political battle. The constituency’s caste arithmetic has added significance to the contest, with Lingayats forming nearly 30% of the 2.2 lakh electorate and Kurubas accounting for around 35,000 votes. While BJP is banking on its Lingayat base, Congress is relying on the Ahinda vote bloc, traditionally seen as loyal to Siddaramaiah. Both Siddaramaiah and Vijayendra campaigned simultaneously in the constituency Monday. “This contest has witnessed the emergence of Vijayendra as he is taking on Siddaramaiah. His stature will grow if we win,” said P Rajiv, BJP state general secretary. But internal divisions continue to cast a shadow on BJP’s prospects. A rival camp within the party remains active, while signs of rebellion on the ground have added to the challenge. BJP candidate Veeranna Charanthimath faces a peculiar situation as his brother, Mallikarjun Charanthimath, is campaigning for Congress. Mallikarjun had contested against Veeranna in the 2023 assembly polls, a split that contributed to Veeranna’s defeat to Congress’ HY Meti. “We are aware of the strategy and conspiracy being hatched by Congress but it will not work as support for BJP is swelling by the day,” Vijayendra said during a padayatra. “There is growing enthusiasm among our workers who are campaigning from early in the morning.” However, adding to the pressure, a section of BJP functionaries, including former minister B Sreeramulu, has urged BJP brass to involve MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal in the campaign. Yatnal, a strident critic of Vijayendra and his father BS Yediyurappa, was expelled from BJP last year after publicly attacking party brass. Former minister Aravind Limbavali, also seen as part of the rival camp, arrived in Bagalkot and is set to campaign separately. “Issues in the party remain and national brass will address them at an appropriate time. Now, the focus is on winning this seat,” Limbavali said. Despite the undercurrents, Vijayendra struck a confident note, welcoming Yatnal’s involvement. “Our candidate Veeranna is my friend. Even functionaries from Congress are willing to campaign for him. We welcome anyone who is willing to work for his victory,” he said.
