BY Vijayendra expresses displeasure on leaders' silence on 'humiliation' against BS Yediyurappa
Bengaluru, Feb 6 (PTI): Amid factional rift within the state unit, Karnataka BJP president B Y Vijayendra on Thursday expressed displeasure about senior leaders in the party not stopping a section of leaders, who were making "humiliating" comments against his father and veteran leader B S Yediyurappa, and called it "unfortunate".
His statement seems to be directed at several senior party leaders, who are seen as "neutral", and not part of any faction in the party.
The factional rift within the party has come out into the open, with a group of leaders opposing Vijayendra publicly making allegations against him and demanding his removal, while another faction supporting him, have called for the expulsion of those openly expressing discontent and thereby causing damage to the party.
"The state president election or selection process may happen any moment. There are indications that the whole process will be completed by February 20. I have observed the statements being made by some leaders, due to some reasons I have not reacted to them as it may cause embarrassment to the party and the workers," Vijayendra told reporters here.
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Stating that he is not bothered by what others, especially seniors in the party are speaking against him, he said, "But, it is unfortunate that low level language is being used against Yediyurppa, a leader who has built this party. And sitting quiet looking at all of this is also a sin."
Noting that for the last one year Yediyurappa is being continuously humiliated and disrespected, Vijayendra said, whoever may be making statements against him, but it is unfortunate that no one tried to stop them, by saying that it is wrong.
"I request the seniors in the party to at least now try to stop those making statements against Yediyurappa. Let those having issues share them with high command. But making such statements is not right, I'm saying this publicly," he said, adding, "I'm pained both as president and Yediyurappa's son that leaders who are neutral and others are not stopping those commenting against the veteran leader."
Vijayendra was appointed as the state BJP president in November 2023. His elevation caused heartburn in the BJP with several senior leaders repeatedly expressing their disgruntlement against his leadership and his style of functioning, and the Shikaripura MLA has been unable to douse the fire.
Several leaders, especially Bijapur City MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal and Gokak MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi have been openly critical of Vijayendra, accusing him of indulging in "adjustment politics" with the ruling Congress. They have also criticised him and his father -- Yediyurappa -- for trying to keep the party under their clutches.
Pointing out that he is repeatedly being accused of making unilateral decisions and not taking along seniors, the state BJP chief said attempts are on by some to place him in a "culprit" position.
"I don't know how many seniors are satisfied with my work, but I'm clear that workers are satisfied. I'm very clear that as the state president, I have never conducted myself in a way that may insult or cause disrespect to them," he said, adding that workers are pained by open statements being made.
To a question as to why the high command is silent on the developments, Vijayendra said, in a week or ten days they will make their stand clear.
"There is a feeling among some that the high command is supporting them (Yatnal faction), Santosh ji (BJP national general secretary) is supporting them. All of this is far from the truth. There is no chance of any Delhi leader of the party supporting them. Some workers feel that leadership should have taken some action, we will get answers in eight to ten days. There will be a happy ending," he said.
Responding to a question, Vijayendra said, he knew that there will be differences of opinion in politics, but never knew it would be to this level.
He also rejected allegations of "adjustment politics" against him, pointing out various agitations that were held to corner the Congress government.
Reacting to senior party leader and former minister B Sriramulu's statement that Vijayendra lacks experience, the state BJP chief said, he might not be as experienced as the former, but said he has worked for the party for last 18-20 years as a worker, secretary, state youth wing general secretary, and state vice president of the party, and workers have recognised him, and are satisfied with his work.
Stating that some party leaders have their own opinion against him, and he won't say that they are wrong, Vijayendra said, the BJP is a national party and it is the national leadership's decision to make him the president, considering the opinion of the workers towards him.
"More than who has how much experience, I'm satisfied with my work and the party workers are too satisfied with me," he said.
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Nicobar Tribal Council Alleges FRA Violations in Great Nicobar Wildlife Sanctuaries
Sri Vijaypuram (Port Blair): The Tribal Council of Little and Great Nicobar has alleged fresh violations of the Forest Rights Act in the notification of three wildlife sanctuaries linked to the Centre’s ₹92,000-crore Great Nicobar Island project, even as the Calcutta High Court is set to hear petitions challenging the mega project over similar concerns next month.
The Union government had, in October 2022, notified three wildlife sanctuaries in parts of Little Nicobar Island, Menchal Island and Meroe Island for the conservation of leatherback turtles, megapodes and coral ecosystems. The move came after the government acknowledged that the proposed infrastructure project on Great Nicobar Island would affect coral colonies and nesting habitats of endangered species.
However, the tribal council has maintained that the sanctuaries were declared without consultation with the Nicobarese communities who traditionally inhabit and manage these islands.
In a letter dated April 23 addressed to the Assistant Conservator of Forests of the Nicobar Forest Division, the council reiterated its opposition to the sanctuaries and objected to the formation of a committee to determine eco-sensitive zones around the protected areas.
The council said its chairman had not been consulted before being included in the committee and was informed of his membership only a month after the committee was constituted.
The three notified sanctuaries include the Leatherback Turtle Sanctuary in parts of Little Nicobar Island, the Megapode Sanctuary covering the entire Menchal Island and the Coral Sanctuary spanning the whole of Meroe Island.
According to the council, Menchal and Meroe islands hold deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Nicobarese community, which believes the islands are inhabited by the spirits of their ancestors.
The council demanded that the sanctuary notifications be revoked and the eco-sensitive zone committee dissolved, alleging that both decisions were taken against the wishes of the indigenous community.
Meanwhile, Jairam Ramesh has written to Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram alleging violations of the Forest Rights Act in the process of obtaining consent for diversion of forest land for the Great Nicobar project.
Ramesh argued that consent should have been obtained through the Tribal Council representing the Nicobarese communities instead of through Gram Sabhas representing settler families. He also questioned how the government-controlled Andaman Adim Janjati Vikas Samiti could provide consent on behalf of the Shompen community, classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group.
He urged the Tribal Affairs Ministry to intervene and seek withdrawal of clearances granted for the project under the Forest Rights Act.
Earlier, Ramesh had also written to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav alleging that environmental impact studies for the project were conducted in haste and without the detailed seasonal assessments mandated under environmental laws.
The dispute dates back to 2022 when the Andaman and Nicobar administration initiated the process for notifying the three sanctuaries before holding Special Gram Sabhas for diversion of forest land linked to the Great Nicobar project.
In May that year, the administration invited objections and claims regarding the proposed sanctuaries. Subsequently, on July 19, the Nicobar Deputy Commissioner certified that no objections or claims had been received.
The tribal council later wrote to the district administration stating that the notification process was carried out without ensuring that residents of Little Nicobar Island were informed as required by law. It alleged that no public announcements seeking objections were made in villages such as Bahua, Muhincoihn and Kiyang, whose residents traditionally use and manage parts of the notified areas.
The council said the Nicobarese community had protected the islands and wildlife for generations through customary practices and traditional belief systems.
It further argued that the sanctuaries would interfere with long-standing rights over forests and coastal areas. They noted that these areas are used for rituals, plantations, collection of forest produce, construction of huts and canoes, harvesting medicinal plants and worship.
In November 2024, the council objected to draft Island Coastal Regulation Zone plans, demanding basic infrastructure, instead of proposed eco-tourism activities in the sanctuaries. The council demanded better public restrooms, jetties, water facilities, pathways, and mobile connectivity.
The Nicobar administration issued a clarification in May 2025, stating that the sanctuaries would not affect hunting rights available to Scheduled Tribes in the Nicobar Islands. The council, however, rejected the clarification, stating that their dependence on forests and coasts extended far beyond hunting activities.
Earlier this month, a Bench led by the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court dismissed preliminary objections raised by the Union government against petitions challenging the diversion of forest land for the Great Nicobar project. The matter has now been listed for final hearing in June.
