Karnataka's political landscape has long been marked by factional battles. After the Congress spent nearly three years following its 2023 Assembly election victory grappling with a prolonged leadership debate between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar, the spotlight has now shifted to the BJP, which is facing growing internal divisions with less than two years remaining before the next Assembly election.
While the Congress has largely succeeded in containing its internal differences and presenting a united front, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is dealing with a series of challenges, including cross-voting, leadership disputes, rebellion and public criticism among senior leaders.
What began as discontent over the state leadership has evolved into multiple controversies, exposing deep divisions within the Karnataka BJP at a crucial time as the party prepares for the 2028 Assembly election. Karnataka remains strategically important for the BJP as its strongest base in southern India and the only southern state where the party has independently formed a government.
Purported audio clip of former Chief Minister sparks fresh controversy
The latest controversy emerged after an audio clip, purportedly featuring former Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda, surfaced on Monday (June 29). In the recording, Gowda is allegedly heard saying BJP state president BY Vijayendra should be removed after completing three years in the post in November, suggesting that delaying the move by a few months would help avoid further confusion within the party.
The clip is seen as one of the sharpest internal criticisms directed at Vijayendra. However, Sadananda Gowda has distanced himself from the recording, refusing to confirm its authenticity and stating that any inquiry into its origin should be conducted independently.
He also maintained that internal party matters should not be discussed publicly and said he would respond only if approached by the BJP's national leadership.
Although the authenticity of the recording remains unverified, its emergence has added to the party's internal troubles.
Cross-voting exposes growing dissatisfaction
The BJP is still dealing with the fallout from the Legislative Council (MLC) elections held on June 18, where 11 BJP and Janata Dal (Secular) legislators reportedly cross-voted in favour of the Congress, while another BJP MLA cast an invalid vote.
The party subsequently formed a three-member fact-finding committee and received an interim report, but no major disciplinary action has been announced so far.
The episode has intensified speculation that dissatisfaction with the current state leadership extends beyond a handful of leaders. Since then, several BJP members have openly questioned organisational decisions and expressed concerns over the leadership of state president Vijayendra and Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka.
The differences became more visible when Vijayendra's proposal to hold the BJP legislature party meeting in Dharmasthala was dropped after opposition from senior leaders, including Rajajinagar MLA S Suresh Kumar, who publicly criticised the decision on social media. The cancellation was widely viewed as another sign of growing differences within the party.
War of words among senior BJP leaders
Internal tensions escalated further on Tuesday (June 30) when Sadananda Gowda publicly criticised senior BJP MLA SR Vishwanath. Addressing reporters, the former Chief Minister accused Vishwanath of amassing wealth with the support of late underworld figure Muthappa Rai, grabbing land and tarnishing the legacy of Bengaluru founder Nadaprabhu Kempegowda.
Gowda alleged that Vishwanath had built an image of honesty despite benefiting from controversial associations during his political career.
The dispute centred on Kempegowda's legacy after Vishwanath reportedly objected to Gowda attending a public programme organised in the 16th-century ruler's honour. Rejecting the criticism, Gowda said Kempegowda belonged to the people and not to any political party, adding that no organisation could claim exclusive ownership of his legacy.
Parallel Kempegowda celebrations highlight rivalry
The controversy surrounding Kempegowda's legacy had surfaced even earlier when Chikkaballapur MP K Sudhakar and Vishwanath organised separate Kempegowda Jayanti celebrations on June 27.
Vishwanath, who has traditionally hosted the event in Yelahanka, saw Sudhakar organise a parallel programme in the same area for the first time, triggering a political confrontation.
Accusing Sudhakar of dividing BJP workers, Vishwanath challenged him to contest from Yelahanka, while saying he was prepared to contest against Sudhakar in Chikkaballapur. Sudhakar responded by saying he was willing to contest from Yelahanka if directed by the party and challenged Vishwanath to face him in Chikkaballapur. The celebrations, intended to honour Bengaluru's founder, instead turned into a public display of internal rivalry.
Former Karnataka BJP spokesperson MG Mahesh was also expelled from the party for six years after criticising the handling of the MLC elections during an internal virtual meeting. Mahesh maintained that he had only echoed public concerns regarding cross-voting and organisational shortcomings, insisting that his remarks were aimed at strengthening the party rather than undermining it. His expulsion has been viewed by many as an effort by the leadership to assert discipline amid growing dissent.
Factionalism remains a recurring challenge
The Karnataka BJP has experienced recurring internal unrest since BY Vijayendra, son of former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, became state president. Senior leaders Basanagouda Patil Yatnal and KS Eshwarappa repeatedly accused the leadership of encouraging dynastic politics and concentrating decision-making within a small group.
Both leaders frequently criticised Vijayendra's leadership style and organisational decisions.
The rebellion eventually led to disciplinary measures, with Yatnal being expelled from the party and Eshwarappa resigning after contesting the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as an Independent. Although the BJP managed to contain that phase administratively, signs of dissatisfaction have resurfaced in different forms.
Political observers note that the BJP's current situation contrasts sharply with developments in the ruling Congress. Following its return to power, the Congress spent nearly two years dealing with speculation over a possible power-sharing arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. Despite persistent rumours of a leadership change, the party largely succeeded in maintaining government stability and limiting public disagreements.
By comparison, as the Congress appears to have achieved greater organisational stability, the BJP is now facing the kind of internal uncertainty that once affected its rival.
With less than two years remaining before the next Karnataka Assembly election, the BJP's immediate challenge may be less about confronting the Congress and more about restoring unity within its own ranks. How effectively the party resolves these internal differences before the election campaign gathers pace could play a significant role in shaping both its electoral prospects and Karnataka's political landscape.
