After spat over CM face, BJP gags members from speaking on alliance with JD(S)

Bengaluru: Karnataka BJP's core committee Thursday issued instructions to party functionaries not to make public statements on the party's alliance with JD(S).The decision comes on the back of senior functionaries in BJP and JD(S) issuing statements on a possible chief ministerial candidate of the NDA in Karnataka, resulting in a war of words.
Hours earlier, at the party's state executive meeting, former CM and party veteran BS Yediyurappa had exhorted workers to ensure BJP forms the govt "independently" in the 2028 assembly elections. The comment was significant since senior functionaries from both parties have indicated the tie-up with JD(S) could extend to 2028. Although BJP served in office for two terms, it has never secured a majority on its own, with Yediyurappa becoming CM with the support of independents or defectors through ‘Operation Lotus'. The 82-year-old, who was felicitated for completing 50 years in politics, said he will remain active in politics. "God willing, I can tour the state for another five or six years. I am ready to come wherever you want me to work for the party," he said. ‘Governance failures' Meanwhile, Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and national general secretary Radhamohan Das Agarwal attacked the Congress govt over alleged corruption and governance failures. Shekhawat, who inaugurated the meeting, was confident BJP would secure a majority in 2028. He said the meeting was not merely an organisational gathering but also an exercise in introspection and assessment. He alleged the state had "become corrupt and financially bankrupt", referring to alleged scams and irregularities over the past 1,000 days since Congress has been in office. Agarwal alleged Muslims were being given better opportunities compared to Scheduled Castes and called the Congress administration "corrupt and discriminatory". Some 1,250 functionaries participated in the meeting. Candidates soon At the core committee meeting later — attended by state president BY Vijayendra, Yediyurappa and Agarwal — members resolved to kickstart the process of selecting candidates for bypolls to Bagalkot and Davanagere South assembly seats and MLC elections. "We will shortlist the candidates for both assembly bypolls and MLC polls soon. Central party brass will take the final call," said senior BJP MLA and core committee member.