Bengaluru (Agency): 2023—A senior BJP leader and former MLA, M.P. Renukacharya, has expressed his belief that Nalin Kumar Kateel, the state president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka, should have resigned from his post, taking moral responsibility for the party’s recent defeat in the Assembly polls. Renukacharya’s remarks come as he criticized the functioning of the party office, alleging that it has been transformed into a “corporate office.” He called for introspection and emphasized the need to strengthen the party and boost the morale of the workers ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and zilla and taluk panchayat polls.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Renukacharya questioned the lack of accountability within the party leadership. He stated, “After the election debacle, the state president should have taken moral responsibility and resigned. He should have taken the moral responsibility.” Renukacharya expressed his frustration over the contradictory reports of Kateel’s resignation, emphasizing the need for clarity and transparency within the party.
While Renukacharya refrained from taking specific names, he highlighted the importance of self-reflection among party leaders and urged them to rectify any shortcomings. He stressed the significance of the BJP returning to power in the state and at the central level, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the way. Renukacharya called for the restoration of the party workers’ morale and expressed concern over the alleged dictatorial attitudes of some leaders within the party.
Referring to certain leaders without explicitly naming them, Renukacharya criticized their lack of practical knowledge and experience, suggesting that they had not even won a gram panchayat election. He specifically mentioned Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai, who served as the poll co-incharge for the party in Karnataka. Renukacharya questioned Annamalai’s influence and highlighted the need for experienced leaders to guide the party.
Renukacharya also raised concerns about the party’s campaign strategy, pointing out that the announcements of poll guarantees by the Congress party far preceded those made by the BJP. He attributed part of the party’s defeat to the delayed release of the party manifesto and the last-minute announcement of candidates for some seats. Renukacharya criticized the state BJP leaders for their inability to convert public support into votes despite extensive travel across the state.
Regarding the removal of former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa from his position, Renukacharya claimed that it contributed to the party’s defeat in the Assembly election. He questioned the contribution of party leaders toward winning the polls, specifically mentioning the face of the party, Narendra Modi, and Yediyurappa. While he refrained from naming anyone, despite reporters’ inquiries, Renukacharya highlighted the denial of tickets to senior leaders and speculated about the motives behind such decisions.
Renukacharya concluded by dismissing any possibility of joining the Congress party, clarifying that his recent meeting with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar was merely a courtesy call. He reiterated his aspiration to see Modi as Prime Minister once again and expressed his desire to contest the upcoming MP elections. Renukacharya conveyed his aspirations to the party and left the outcome in their hands.
The BJP leadership in Karnataka now faces mounting criticism from within the party, with Renukacharya’s remarks highlighting the need for self-reflection and accountability to reinvigorate the party ahead of crucial elections.
