Karnataka BJP rift: Fighting to cleanse party, not for any position: Yatnal
Bengaluru, Feb 05 (PTI): Amid a factional rift within the party, senior BJP legislator Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, along with a group of party leaders seeking the ouster of B Y Vijayendra from the post of Karnataka unit president, said on Monday that their fight is to cleanse the party, not for any position.
The Bijapur City MLA repeatedly targeted Vijayendra and his father—veteran leader B S Yediyurappa—accusing them of "nepotism" and "corruption".
While leaders from Yatnal's faction, such as Ramesh Jarkiholi (MLA) and Kumar Bangarappa, who are up in arms against Vijayendra, are already in New Delhi to meet high-command leaders regarding their concerns, Yatnal is also expected to travel to the national capital.
According to party sources, Bangarappa met the party's national general secretary (organisation), B L Santosh, while Jarkiholi met Nadda and a few other leaders.
"All national leaders have given us time for a meeting, so don’t worry. Would we go without a plan? Are we mad? Everything will be sorted out if Vijayendra goes," Yatnal told reporters in response to a question.
Noting that three things should be made clear to the high command, he said, "They are keeping the corrupt family away, keeping the BJP away from dynasty politics, and that the BJP doesn't need non-Hindutva leadership.
"We (the party) say no to dynasty politics. I haven't engaged in dynasty politics so far. If he (Vijayendra) is made president once again, I will also demand a position for my son. I will ask that my son, too, be fielded for elections, as there are already three members of the Yediyurappa family in politics, including Shimoga MP B Y Raghavendra," he said.
Vijayendra was appointed as the state BJP president in November 2023. His elevation caused heartburn within the BJP, with several senior leaders repeatedly expressing their disgruntlement over his leadership and style of functioning. The Shikaripura MLA has been unable to douse the fire.
Several leaders, especially Yatnal and 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 control.
Averring that his team's fight is not for any post but to cleanse the party, Yatnal said, "It is to make it as pure as the Ganga. I have no expectations of becoming the state president."
Reiterating their stand on contesting against Vijayendra for the party president post in the ongoing organisational polls, he said, "From our faction, we have decided on candidates for the president's post based on community, such as who should be chosen if the opportunity is given to backward classes, Dalits, or Lingayats. Accordingly, we will proceed. If the opportunity is given to the Lingayat community, I am ready."
On Kumar Bangarappa meeting with the party's national general secretary B L Santosh in Delhi, Yatnal said that they have decided among themselves who should meet which leader, instead of everyone going to one place.
"Almost all the parliament members are with us, except for one or two, like Vijayendra's elder brother (B Y Raghavendra)," he said.
Amid the ongoing organisational polls, Vijayendra expressed confidence on Monday about continuing to helm the state unit. He also hoped for a 'happy ending' in the outcome of the state presidential polls.
Responding to this, Yatnal said today, "Let the election happen. There is democracy; we will not back down. The importance of the election should be understood. Let the election happen, and we will present things to the party workers. Let him (Vijayendra), too."
Yatnal even claimed that Vijayendra, six months ago, had sent a three-member team for negotiations with him, along with an offer to send him to national politics by recommending his name for the party's national general secretary post, but he rejected it.
"Let him (Vijayendra) become national general secretary; he knows English well, I don't know English. Vijayendra had sent three people—N Ravi Kumar, Veeranna Charantimath, and Abhay Patil—to me for negotiations six months ago, offering to recommend my name for the post of party national general secretary. I said, let Vijayendra go, as he knows English well. I know Hindi and Kannada, so I will be here," he added.
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India, Ethiopia elevate ties to strategic partnership as PM Modi holds talks with his counterpart
Addis Ababa (PTI): India and Ethiopia on Tuesday elevated their historical ties to a strategic partnership, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali during which they discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interest.
Modi, who arrived here from Jordan on his maiden bilateral visit, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the National Palace ahead of the bilateral talks, reflecting the vibrant India-Ethiopia relations rooted in shared history and a promising future.
"We are elevating India and Ethiopia relations to a strategic partnership. This step will provide new energy, new momentum and new depth to our ties," Prime Minister Modi said during the delegation-level talks.
He thanked PM Ali for his support in India's fight against terrorism. "The support of friendly countries in this struggle against terrorism holds great significance," Modi said.
"Today, we got the opportunity to deliberate on the key aspects of our cooperation, such as economy, innovation, technology, defence, health, capacity-building and multilateral cooperation. I am pleased that today, we have decided to double the student scholarship for Ethiopia in India," Modi said.
Modi said that India and Ethiopia have shared contact, dialogue, and exchange for thousands of years. The two countries, which are rich in languages and traditions, are symbols of unity in diversity, he added.
"Both countries are democratic powers committed to peace and the welfare of humanity. We are co-travellers and partners of the Global South. On international platforms, we have stood shoulder-to-shoulder," he said.
The two sides signed eight MoUs/agreements, including upgrading ties to 'Strategic Partnership', customs cooperation, establishing data center at the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry, UN Peacekeeping training cooperation, debt restructuring under G20, more ICCR scholarships and AI short courses for Ethiopians, and support for maternal and neonatal healthcare.
Modi said the African Union's headquarters in Ethiopia makes the country a meeting point of African diplomacy. "Inspired by the common vision of an inclusive world, in 2023, India ensured that the African Union became a G20 member," he said.
In 2023, during India’s G20 Presidency, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20.
Modi said that though this is his first visit, he felt a deep sense of belonging and warmth, reflecting the thousands of years of connection between the two countries.
On his part, Prime Minister Ali said the two countries share over thousands of years of connection through trade, diplomacy, education, culture and even in our food and traditions. "These ties continue to shape a deep friendship, collaboration and mutual respect between our people," he said.
"We also appreciate your consistent message that Africa's priorities must lead the partnership. These kinds of dignified, respectful messages for Africa are very important. Mr Prime Minister, keep pushing. That is the type of message we are expecting from all our trusted friends," Ali said.
He said this aligned fully with Ethiopia's development plan - African-owned, African-led, and African-defined.
"Today, we meet with a clear focus to shape a modern partnership, grounded in sovereignty, self-reliance and practical cooperation. Our cooperation is rooted in equality and South-South solidarity," he said.
"Our economy is performing strongly. Last year, we grew 9.2% and this year we are expecting 10.3% GDP growth. Besides GDP growth, our FDI inflow is also rising big time. India is the leading source for our FDI," he said.
"We have more than 615 Indian companies which are investing in Ethiopia. This all gives our cooperation a strong foundation of trust. I think our decision today that we elevate our historic relationship to a strategic relationship is the right decision," he added.
Ethiopia also conferred its highest award - The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia - on PM Modi. He is the first global head of state to receive this award.
Prime Minister Modi also went to the Friendship Park and Friendship Square in Addis Ababa with PM Ali.
In a warm and special gesture, PM Modi was earlier received by his Ethiopian counterpart at the airport and accorded a warm and colourful welcome.
"Ethiopia is a nation with great history and vibrant culture," Modi said.
PM Ali informed his Indian counterpart about the varieties of Ethiopian coffee during informal talks.
"At Addis Ababa airport, took part in a traditional Coffee Ceremony with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. The ceremony beautifully highlights Ethiopia’s rich heritage," Modi said.
In a unique gesture, the Ethiopian Prime Minister drove Modi to the hotel.
On the way, he took a special initiative of taking PM Modi to the Science Museum and Friendship Park, which was not in the itinerary.
"Gratitude to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali for showing me glimpses of Ethiopian history and culture at the National Palace Museum in Addis Ababa. It was a powerful reminder of Ethiopia’s rich traditions," Modi said in a post on X.
The Nobel Peace Prize-winning Ethiopian PM’s special gestures show remarkable respect for Modi, sources said.
"Thank you Ethiopia for a welcome that was unforgettable. The Indian community showed remarkable warmth and affection. India-Ethiopia friendship is going to get even more robust in the times to come," Modi said.
When Modi arrived at the hotel, he was warmly welcomed by the members of the Indian community. Local artists performed dances. Some of them danced on the theme of the popular Hindi song 'Aisa Des Hai Mera' to welcome him.
On Wednesday, Modi will address the Joint Session of Parliament and share his thoughts on India's journey as the "Mother of Democracy" and the value that the India-Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South.
PM Modi arrived in Ethiopia from Jordan, where he held a one-on-one meeting with King Abdullah II at the Husseiniya Palace on Monday before the delegation-level talks.
India and Jordan also inked MoUs in the fields of culture, renewable energy, water management, digital public infrastructure and twinning arrangement between Petra and Ellora, aimed at giving a major boost to bilateral ties and friendship.
From Ethiopia, Modi will visit Oman on the final leg of this three-nation tour.
