Bengaluru: BJP MP D V Sadananda Gowda, a former Chief Minister of Karnataka, has once again criticized the state unit of the BJP. He called on the party to abandon a "dictatorial attitude" and demanded action against MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal and others for their alleged indiscipline.
Gowda's remarks are viewed as a thinly veiled swipe at B S Yediyurappa, who recently assumed control of the Karnataka BJP unit. Earlier, Gowda had expressed dissatisfaction with the new state unit led by Yediyurappa son Vijayendra, stating that it lacked strength.
During a press conference, Gowda voiced concerns about the perceived dictatorial approach within the party. He drew parallels with the decline of the Congress party under the leadership of Indira Gandhi, cautioning against a similar fate for the BJP. Gowda emphasized the need for inclusive decision-making and suggested that party leaders from the high command should visit the state to provide a platform for all voices.
“There is a feeling of dictatorial attitude that has crept inside the party. We know what happened to a dictator like Indira Gandhi and how it caused the decline of Congress. So, we should get out of this dictatorial attitude and take decisions in consultation with everyone,” Gowda said.
The former Union minister asserted that allowing indiscipline, particularly from leaders like Yatnal, could harm the party's interests. He expressed the view that disciplinary action should be taken to prevent the further growth of indiscipline.
Yatnal, a BJP MLA, has been critical of Yediyurappa for several months. Recently, he alleged irregularities amounting to Rs 40,000 crore in procurements related to the COVID-19 pandemic under the BJP's rule. Yatnal's repeated criticisms and allegations have posed challenges for the state BJP.
Gowda, who had earlier suspended Yatnal from the party during his tenure as BJP president, indicated that the current situation was a consequence of Yatnal's reinduction urged by Yediyurappa.
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Mangaluru (Karnataka), May 14 (PTI): The Mangaluru City Crime Branch has arrested three men in connection with the murder of Hindutva activist Suhas Shetty, officials said on Wednesday.
The accused, identified as Azaruddin alias Azar alias Ajju (29), Abdul Khader alias Noufal (24) and Vamanjoor Noushad alias Chotte Noushad (39), were arrested during the last two days, they said.
With the fresh arrests, a total of 11 people have been arrested in connection with the murder so far, police said.
According to a police statement, Azaruddin had previously been booked in three theft cases registered at Panambur, Suratkal, and Mulki police stations. He allegedly provided information about Shetty's movements to the other accused, aiding in the murder.
Khader is said to have assisted the accused during their escape in a car after the murder was committed.
Noushad is accused of having conspired with the others and directly participated in the crime. He has six previous criminal cases, including murder, attempted murder, and robbery conspiracy, registered at various police stations in Dakshina Kannada, police said.
Azaruddin has been remanded in judicial custody, while Khader and Noushad have been taken into police custody for seven days for further investigation.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and efforts are underway to trace other accused involved in the case.
Shetty, a known rowdy sheeter and Hindutva activist, was murdered by a group on May 1 within the Bajpe police station limits in Mangaluru City.