Bommai expresses displeasure over 'internal bickering' within Karnataka BJP
Bengaluru, Feb 6 (PTI): BJP MP and former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Thursday expressed "severe displeasure" over "internal bickering" within the Karnataka BJP and urged factions in the party to exercise patience and resolve differences through discussions under the guidance of senior leaders.
He expressed optimism that the party's senior leadership would soon turn its attention to developments in the Karnataka BJP, hold discussions with all key leaders, and take an appropriate decision.
"At a time when people, especially farmers and women, are in distress and incidents of violence and suicides are increasing in the state due to the misgovernance of the ruling Congress party, the opposition BJP is, unfortunately, facing internal bickering instead of fighting against the incumbent government," Bommai said in a statement.
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The factional rift within the party has come out into the open, with a group of leaders opposing state unit president B Y Vijayendra publicly making allegations against him and demanding his removal, while another faction supporting him is calling for the expulsion of those openly expressing discontent and thereby causing damage to the party.
Vijayendra was appointed as the state BJP president in November 2023. His elevation caused resentment among several senior leaders, who have repeatedly voiced their dissatisfaction with his leadership and style of functioning. The Shikaripura MLA has been unable to quell the unrest.
Several leaders, particularly Bijapur City MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal and Gokak MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi, have been openly critical of Vijayendra, accusing him of engaging in "adjustment politics" with the ruling Congress.
They have also criticised him and his father, veteran leader B S Yediyurappa, for trying to keep the party under their control.
Bommai emphasised that the party, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, is providing efficient governance across the nation and that the central leadership's decisions are final. He made it clear that he does not believe in factionalism.
The question of me calling a meeting of any particular group does not arise, he said, adding, "I am one among the many leaders sincerely trying to bring everyone together."
This clarification came following reports that Yatnal, Jarkiholi, and other leaders, who are currently in Delhi, held discussions with Bommai on Tuesday.
Bommai urged both factions to exercise patience and resolve their differences through discussions, guided by senior BJP leaders in Karnataka, including former Chief Minister Yediyurappa.
"If that is not possible, they must all abide by the central leadership's decision," he added.
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3 killed, 15 injured in fire after blast at firecracker unit in MP's Dewas; CM orders probe
Dewas/Indore (PTI): At least three workers were killed and 15 persons injured after a fire broke out following an explosion at a firecracker factory in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas district on Thursday, an official said.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed grief over the incident and ordered an investigation. The state government will provide an assistance of Rs 4 lakh to the kin of each of the deceased, and the injured will receive free treatment, he said in a post on X.
Three persons were killed in the fire at the firecracker unit located in Tonk Kalan area, and around 15 injured persons were sent to hospitals in Indore and Dewas, Collector Rituraj Singh told reporters after inspecting the site.
Videos of the aftermath surfaced on social media, showing thick white smoke billowing from the factory along the Agra–Mumbai national highway. The clips also showed people rushing the injured for treatment amid cries for help, with body parts seen scattered at the site.
The collector said the fire has been brought under control. The administration has taken possession of explosives stored at another location within the unit, he said.
The work to manufacture small firecrackers at the factory of a person named Anil Malviya had begun only 15 days ago, and a licence has been issued for the unit, the collector said.
A detailed investigation is underway into the incident, he added.
CM Yadav said, "I have directed Deputy Chief Minister and Dewas district guardian minister Jagdish Devda, the home secretary and senior officials to visit the spot. An inquiry has also been ordered into the incident."
Local residents said there was a massive explosion at the factory, and the victims' body parts were found scattered far away from the site.
They said construction work was underway at the site and different sheds were being built there.
