Leave party, contest as independent candidate: BJP MLA SR Vishwanath dares MP K. Sudhakar
Bengaluru: Yelahanka MLA S.R. Vishwanath has hit out at BJP MP K. Sudhakar over his criticism of state party president B.Y. Vijayendra, challenging him to contest as an independent candidate if he believes in his popularity.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Thursday, Vishwanath strongly criticized Sudhakar for his recent remarks against Vijayendra. "If you join the BJP and then leave, there is no salvation. Even former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa realized this when he returned to the party. Yediyurappa became the Chief Minister after rejoining the BJP. Sudhakar, too, has the potential to become Chief Minister in the future, but his actions are not in line with party discipline," he said.
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Expressing displeasure over Sudhakar’s statements, Vishwanath further added, "He spoke lightly about our state president, which is unacceptable. If he had any grievances, he could have directly spoken to Vijayendra. Instead, he has chosen to create unnecessary controversy. If he wants to leave the party, then let him go— we will ensure the party remains strong and well-organized."
The comments come amid growing factional tensions within the Karnataka BJP, with Sudhakar's criticism of the leadership triggering strong reactions from party loyalists.
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RCB beat MI by 18 runs after batters fire
Mumbai (PTI): Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar, Phil Salt and Virat Kohli blasted half-centuries as the defending champions beat Mumbai Indians by 18 runs in an Indian Premier League match here on Sunday.
Salt (78 off 36 balls) and Kohli (50 off 38 balls) stitched together a 120-run stand for the opening wicket before Patidar scored a rapid 53 off just 20 balls as RCB posted 240 for 4.
In response, Mumbai Indians were restricted to 222 for 5, with RCB spinner Suyash Sharma (2/47) putting the skids on the home side with a double strike in the eighth over, from which they could not recover.
Sherfane Rutherford top-scored for MI with an unbeaten 71 off 31 balls.
While opener Rohit Sharma appeared to be struggling with a hamstring issue and had to retire hurt on 19, his partner Ryan Rickelton made 37, while Suryakumar Yadav (33) and Hardik Pandya (40) were the other contributors for MI.
Brief scores:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru 240 for 4 in 20 overs (Phil Salt 78, Virat Kohli 50, Rajat Patidar 53, Tim David 35 not out).
Mumbai Indians: 222 for 5 in 20 overs (Sherfane Rutherford 71 not out, Ryan Rickelton 37, Hardik Pandya 40; Suyash Sharma 2/47).
