BJP in Karnataka ‘big problem’: L K Advani

[1]

In a searing indictment of the corruption and factionalism that has marked the state of the BJP in Karnataka, BJP veteran L.K. Advani finally admitted in public that, unlike the nine other states where his party is in government, Karnataka’s BJP was facing a crisis.

Speaking to a 25,000 strong audience at the Jana Chetana Yatra rally in Mangalore’s Nehru Stadium, Mr Advani described Karnataka as a “big problem “ for the party, adding “ MLAs and MPs are charged or accused in other states, but not to this extent (in Karnataka).

“That is why, despite the advice of my friends to skip Karnataka, I did not do so. I came here to speak with them. Karnataka is dear to me. I have to take better care of Karnataka.”

Advani stressed that he had undertaken the rally against corruption because he prized “credibility as the biggest virtue in public life,” even as for the second day running there was an embarrassing no-show by senior ministers in the D.V. Sadananda Gowda, cabinet who backed jailed former Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa.

Mr Advani reportedly held a closed door meeting with the new chief minister ahead of the rally, with the speculation being that Advani’s praise for Mr Gowda was a result of that meeting