With the faction ridden BJP unable to resolve the leadership issue, party state president K.S. Eshwarappa has taken the safe way out by announcing that all sitting MLAs will get tickets for the 2013 Assembly elections.
\His statement comes soon after former chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa declared at a recent function that he will demonstrate his real strength to his detractors in the party. Sources said the rival camps in the BJP, led by Yeddyurappa and CM Sadananda Gowda are gearing up for a battle for tickets with the polls just a year away.
About six months ago, Mr Eshwarappa has issued a veiled warning to hardcore supporters of Yeddyurappa saying tickets will be given to only loyal workers in the next elections. He had justified his stance saying the reason for frequent turmoil in the BJP was because ‘tickets were given to those who are strangers to the party ideology”.
Party workers are surprised as Eshwarappa’s statement could invite the ire of the RSS. The Sangh pariwar has been insisting that tickets should be issued to only adherents of the party ideology which was interpreted as snub to new entrants to the party. Many of the new entrants including agriculture minister Umesh Katti and water resources minister Basavaraj Bommai——staunch loyalists of BSY— had migrated to the BJP from the JD(U) and JD(S).
Party sources however did not rule out a close look at the credentials of ticket aspirants. “During the 2008 elections, outsiders were indiscriminately given tickets. It helped us gain power but also led to factionalism which could ruin our chances in 2013. We do not want to repeat the blunder”, said a senior functionary.
Speaking to reporters at his residence, Mr Eshwarappa reiterated that the BJP government will complete its full term. As for the much delayed Cabinet expansion, the party chief said this will happen after the central leadership gives the nod. “I hope it happens soon”, he said. To chalk out strategies to build the party, an office bearers meeting will be held at the BJP office on Wednesday. District unit presidents will take part.