While the expectation was for the BJP to choose a Lingayat leader to head the state unit, the selection of Vijayendra, a first-time MLA, over emphasizing a dynastic approach, is noteworthy.
Vijayendra, the son of former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa, has assumed a significant political role as he takes over as the state unit chief for the party. The newly appointed chief, who is also the MLA of Shikaripura, inherits a political legacy, with his father having comfortably secured victory in the same constituency during the 2018 Karnataka elections.
In May of this year, Vijayendra marked his electoral debut by clinching the Shikaripura seat, securing a notable margin of 11,008 votes. Prior to his current role, he served as the vice president of the BJP's Karnataka unit in 2020. The decision to appoint Vijayendra to replace Nalinkumar Kateel concludes months of speculation about a change in leadership within the state unit, a move that gained momentum after the BJP faced a significant defeat to the Congress in the May elections.
While the expectation was for the BJP to choose a Lingayat leader to head the state unit, the selection of Vijayendra, a first-time MLA, over emphasizing a dynastic approach, is noteworthy. This decision underscores the enduring political influence of his father, Yeddyurappa, even after stepping back from active electoral politics. The BJP's move also brings attention to its departure from the narrative of opposing dynastic politics, a strategy it has often used to critique its rivals.
It's worth noting that Yeddyurappa's elder son, BY Raghavendra, already holds the position of Lok Sabha MP.