BS Yediyurappa's Son BY Vijayendra Is New BJP Karnataka Chief

Lingayat strongman and former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa's son BY Vijayendra is the new President of Karnataka BJP.

"BJP National President Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda has appointed Shri Vijayendra Yediyurappa, MLA as State President of Karnataka, BJP. This appointment comes into immediate effect," the saffron party said in a statement.

He will now replace Nalin Kumar Kateel as the Karnataka BJP President.

The selection of Vijayayendra, regarded as the political successor to Yediyurappa, has put an end to months of speculation surrounding a change in leadership in the state. This shift was widely anticipated, especially after the BJP faced a significant defeat to the Congress in the May polls.

While it was expected that the BJP would choose a Lingayat leader to helm its state unit, the decision to opt for a first-time MLA, overlooking dynastic considerations-a strategy the party has used to criticize opponents-underscored the enduring political influence wielded by his father, despite being sidelined from electoral politics by the party.

As per the reports, Shoba Karandlaje, CT Ravi and V Sunil Kumar were also in the race, but in the end, the high command chose BS Yediyurappa's son as the new chief of the state BJP.

Vijayendra was elected to the Karnataka Assembly in the May election from Shikaripura Constituency by 11,008 votes.

Meanwhile, BY Vijayendra has thanked the BJP central leadership for giving him the opportunity. He said, "I consider this as a divine opportunity to work with our beloved Karyakarthas under the able guidance of Senior Leaders in building a strong organizational foundation that envisages the Nationalistic ideals and principles of our Party and its great founders."