Bengaluru: After recent displays of unity in Belagavi and Davanagere, a section of BJP leaders once again appeared together on Sunday, this time in Bengaluru, during a public awareness campaign against illegal Bangladeshi immigrants.
However, the event also brought to light continuing rifts within the party, with several key leaders absent from both the stage and event banners.
The programme, held at the government school ground in Ramagondanahalli under the Mahadevapura Assembly constituency, was organised as part of a campaign launched by the local BJP unit to raise awareness against alleged illegal immigration from Bangladesh.
Factions reappear without Yatnal
Notably, this event marked a rare joint appearance of some faction leaders within the BJP who had not shared the stage since the expulsion of MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal. While Yatnal was kept away from the Sunday programme, the remaining leaders attempted to project a sense of internal unity, albeit without full participation from the party at large.
This is the third such instance in recent weeks. Earlier, senior leaders had gathered under the guise of a fair in Belagavi, and again during MP G.M. Siddeshwar’s birthday celebrations in Davanagere. Yet, each of these events has exposed the undercurrents of groupism within the state unit.
State leadership sidelined in visuals
The official banner of the Mahadevapura event featured BJP branding, including the party name, election symbol, and stoles. Prominent photos included Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP national president J.P. Nadda. Local MLA Manjula Limbavali and former minister Aravind Limbavali also featured prominently.
However, glaringly absent were images of BJP Karnataka state president B.Y. Vijayendra, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka, Chaluvarayaswamy Narayanaswamy, and other key leaders. This omission further reflected factional tensions.
Photos of MPs and leaders such as Pratap Simha, Ramesh Jarkiholi, G.M. Siddeshwar, Kumar Bangarappa, B.P. Harish, and B.V. Nayak were included instead, suggesting a clear alignment within the event’s organiser circle.
Parallel messaging amid national concerns
While the BJP is reportedly in serious deliberations over appointing a new state president, the dissenting leaders’ gathering sends a strong alternative message. On one hand, Union Ministers like Prahlad Joshi and V. Somanna are attempting to resolve internal differences; on the other hand, dissident factions are regrouping and positioning themselves as assertive voices within the party.
Possible report to Amit Shah on July 28
As part of the campaign, five study teams under Mahadevapura BJP had reportedly gathered data on illegal immigrants over the past month. With the Parliament session starting on July 21, sources say the team plans to submit its findings to Union Home Minister Amit Shah by around July 28. A formal appointment for the meeting is being sought, insiders confirmed.
Attempt to challenge Vijayendra?
The same faction had earlier gained national attention after compiling data on Waqf properties and submitting them to the Centre. Their involvement in exposing the Valmiki Nigam financial irregularities eventually led to a CBI probe, which they hail as a victory. Now, by leading another high-profile campaign, they appear to be aiming to increase their visibility with central leaders-possibly as a way to counter state president B.Y. Vijayendra’s influence.
“Credit goes to Limbavali”: Pratap Simha
Former MP Pratap Simha credited the success of the programme entirely to Aravind Limbavali. “It is only because of him that this event is happening. The rest of us are here just as guests,” he remarked, indirectly acknowledging Limbavali’s central role in organising the event.
Praise for Ramesh Jarkiholi
When former minister Ramesh Jarkiholi arrived mid-way, Pratap Simha welcomed him warmly, calling him the “Tiger of Gokak” who played a pivotal role in bringing the BJP to power in 2019. However, Jarkiholi, who is said to be unwell, left the stage shortly after.