Before Amit Shah, his reputation reaches Karnataka, spirits high in state BJP camp

Since the loss of face and seats in two bypolls in Karnataka, the state BJP unit's confidence has been on the downward spiral

BJP National President Amit Shah will visit Karnataka for the first time after being elected as a Rajya Sabha MP. The visit coincides with Rahul Gandhi's visit to the state but Shah's visit is bound to have more positive impact on his party that has been suffering an onslaught by the state Congress.

Amit Shah's three-day visit to Karnataka comes at a time when the state unit is on the backfoot over various issues. The Congress led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been assaulting the BJP by its assertiveness but now the BJP is hopeful that tables will turn.

"Yes, he is the national president and now an MP but for the cadre, he is most importantly a source of energy. Every person in the party is of the belief that things are going to change for the better once he comes," said a senior BJP leader. The mood is ecstatic in the BJP camp. Another leader who is busy making arrangements for Amit Shah's visit said there was no physical stress whatsoever but the excitement is leading to mental stress.

Countering Congress is secondary, rumbles within BJP is Shah's challenge

The cold war between B S Yeddyurappa and K S Eshwarappa is far from over. The lack of unity in the BJP is no secret and now the same is being used against the party. Amit Shah's first challenge is to end the rift within the party and then strategise for the assembly polls. "In the next three days, Amit Shah will speak to every section of BJP leadership in some interaction or other. He will address every issue that will be placed before him. But you should know that even before he arrives at the Bengaluru international airport, his reputation has arrived in Karnataka," laughed a BJP leader. He hinted that all issues will be resolved. The no-nonsense tough taskmaster that he is, Amit Shah, the state BJP is sure, will put an end to the war within.

BJP to get clarity on issues

Over the last few months, the BJP has been unable to decide on its stand on key issues. Be it Hindi usage in Namma Metro stations, Kannada flag issue or the Lingayat row, the BJP has not been able to assert its stand. "Depending on the discussions we will hold in the next few days, we will get clarity on all issues including the Lingayat row," said a BJP leader.

The BJP's confidence stems from a statement Amit Shah is said to have made. "When we could win Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka is no big deal," he is said to have told the cadres. For now, Amit Shah has carefully refrained from meeting any Lingayat seers. He will meet two seers while his stay in Karnataka but the move is well calculated. The Congress, however, does not believe that Shah's visit will make any difference in the state.

OneIndia News