Didn't expect Vijayendra's appointment as K'taka BJP chief, never asked party leadership for it: BSY
Bengaluru (PTI): Veteran BJP leader B S Yediyurappa on Saturday said he did not expect that his son B Y Vijayendra would be appointed the party's Karnataka unit president, and he had never asked for it with the party leadership in New Delhi.
The former Chief Minister expressed confidence that Vijayendra will take every one in the party together to strengthen the organisation, and ensure that the BJP wins more than 25 out of total 28 Lok Sabha seats in the state, during the upcoming polls.
"None of us had expected, whether you believe it or not, not even a single day I had asked anyone in Delhi to make Vijayendra the state President. You can ask anyone," Yediyurappa said in response to a question, whether he expected Vijayendra's appointment as state President.
Speaking to reporters here, he said the final decision was taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national President J P Nadda. "I had no role in between."
The BJP on Friday appointed Vijayendra, the younger son of Yediyurappa, as its state unit president. He was until now the state vice-president of the party.
The 47-year-old, who is the first time MLA from Shikaripura in Shivamogga district is replacing Nalin Kumar Kateel, a three-time Lok Sabha member from Dakshina Kannada, who had completed his three-year term as the BJP state president, and was given an extension last year in view of the impending Assembly elections.
Noting that party workers across the state are celebrating Vijayendra's appointment as the state President with enthusiasm, Yediyurappa said, at an appropriate time Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and Nadda have taken a right decision.
"We will travel across the state in the days to come, the upcoming Lok Sabha election is our target. With an aim to win over 25 seats, we have already begun the work. I will travel across the state on a much larger scale, he (Vijayendra) too will travel separately. Together we will all work to win more Lok Sabha seats, at the time when a leader like Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister, we should not get less than 25 seats from Karnataka," he said.
Responding to a question about Congress calling Vijayendra's appointment -- a proof for 'dynasty politics' in BJP, Yediyurappa said, "Let them make such allegations, no issue. After travelling across the state and looking at the response of the people, let them react."
Taking a swipe at the BJP, accusing it of "dynasty politics", the Congress in Karnataka on Friday posted on 'X': "Congratulations to son of Yediyurappa, who has been elected as the new state president of BJP on the merit of him being Yediyurappa's son."
To a question, whether the road ahead will be tough for Vijayendra, Yediyurappa said, no role is easy for a person, after taking over the responsibility.
"To win 25 Lok Sabha seats, one has to travel across the state, strengthen the organisation. As party workers are enthusiastic, I believe reaching that goal will not be difficult," he added.
Asserting that Vijayendra will strive to take every one together in the party, the state BJP strongman said, "We will see to it that no one leaves the party and will make efforts to bring back those, who have gone out."
Asked about Vijayendra's appointment upsetting several senior leaders in the party, he said, "there is no such thing, no one has expressed any disgruntlement. Everyone has unitedly welcomed it (appointment)."
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Andhra Pradesh Police search for director Ram Gopal Varma over offensive posts against Andhra CM
Hyderabad: The Andhra Pradesh Police are actively searching for film director Ram Gopal Varma after he failed to appear for questioning in connection with a case filed against him for allegedly posting offensive and morphed images of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and their family members on social media.
The case was registered at Maddipadu Police Station in Prakasam district on November 11, with the complainant Ramalingam alleging that Varma's posts undermined the reputation of the leaders and caused personal harm.
Three police teams—two in Hyderabad and one in Tamil Nadu—have been deployed to locate Varma. One team is currently in Chennai, another is at his residence in Hyderabad, and the third is searching in Film Nagar. Police officials reported that Varma’s phone is switched off, complicating their efforts.
According to Prakasam District Superintendent of Police (SP) A.R. Damodar, Varma had been issued two notices and was given until November 24 to cooperate with the investigation. However, he failed to appear, leading to intensified search efforts.
Varma’s lawyer has argued that physical presence is not required and has requested that the investigation proceed in a virtual format under provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The lawyer stated that Varma had communicated his willingness to cooperate digitally but alleged that police had not responded to his requests.
SP Damodar criticised the director's approach, stating, "Without appearing for the investigation, how can Varma suggest a virtual probe?" He confirmed that police are pursuing all legal avenues to ensure compliance.
Varma, who had earlier requested additional time due to prior commitments, was summoned for investigation on November 25 but failed to attend. Police have stated that further legal action will follow if he continues to remain uncooperative.
