Karnataka: Focus on BY Vijayendra of BJP as real test begins now

BENGALURU: A shift in voter preference in what was seen as their bastions in the Lok Sabha polls appears to have weakened the political capital of both state presidents of the two major national parties in the state — DK Shivakumar of Congress and BY Vijayendra of BJP.
Despite efforts of Shivakumar to garner support of Vokkaligas, his community, and similar attempts by Vijayendra with Lingayats, election results suggest voters prioritised individual candidates over party and community.This trend was especially evident in Lingayat-dominated constituencies like Bidar and Davanagere and Vokkaliga dominated segments like Bangalore Rural, Mandya, Hassan, and Mysuru.
In Lingayat-majority areas, voters also rejected incumbent MPs who had served two terms or more, while in Vokkaliga-dominant regions, they opted for candidates based on their performance rather than traditional backing. Notable defeats included Shivakumar’s brother, DK Suresh in Bangalore Rural, and GM Siddeshwara’s wife, Gayathri, in Davanagere.
Shivakumar and Vijayendra are now facing the heat from colleagues and partymen. Congress ministers are openly questioning Shivakumar’s dual role as state party president and deputy chief minister, while BJP members are quietly disgruntled with Vijayendra, citing dynastic politics and serious POCSO charges against his father, former chief minister BS Yediyurappa.
“While Shivakumar’s performance in the Old Mysuru region was abys mal, there was no noteworthy leadership effort from Vijayendra either,” said BJP leaders.
BJP members also point out that Vijayendra and Yediyurappa received a royal snub from the party high command when it backed the candidature of V Somanna in Tumakuru, ensured his victory and made him Union minister. Somanna has made no bones of opposing Vijayendra’s elevation to party president, while father and son had stiffly opposed giving him a ticket for the polls.
All parties unhappy
Sandeep Shastri, psephologist, said election results left all three major parties “unhappy”, while sending out a message that none can take voters for granted. He also said the results could shape the political future of Vijayendra and Shivakumar.
“Internal bickering and factionalism also worked against Congress and BJP,” said Shastri, adding that while Vijayendra’s elevation as party president rubbed the old guard the wrong way, the baggage of being son of a former CM did take its toll.
“But his real test begins now and his approach and style to galvanising the party will be in the spotlight,” said Shastri. “As for Shivakumar, he has given room for others to demand more deputy CMs and a change in party president. The only thing going for him is that most of his detractors also did not win Lok Sabha seats for the party.”
Despite these setbacks, neither party anticipates immediate changes. Speculation is rife that Shivakumar and Vijayendra could face significant challenges post local bodies elections which would be an acid test of their leadership skills.