Who will be the chief guest for the valedictory function of the Karnataka BJP’s Bengaluru Rakshisi Yatre (Save Bengaluru Rally), is a hot topic of discussion among the Bharatiya Janata Party leaders in Bengaluru.
Yogi Adityanath or Amit Shah? The BJP’s defeat in Yogi’s home turf of Gorakhpur has raised the stakes on this simple decision.
Although the initial choice for the job was Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the chatter among leaders hints at a possibility of Amit Shah replacing the former. The valedictory function, which was to be held on 15 March, now remains postponed until the decision is made.
This has also raised doubts over Yogi’s role as a star campaigner for the BJP in the state, and the impact he could make.
Yogi Will Continue, Says BJP
Putting an end to speculations about the future of Yogi in the BJP’s Karnataka campaign plans, the party announced that Yogi will continue his campaign in the state. A senior party leader said sticking to the original plan, Yogi will address seven to eight rallies in different parts of Karnataka.
The leader insisted that the loss in the bypolls hasn’t severely impacted the UP CM’s popularity in the Karnataka, adding:
A bypoll election doesn’t take away the fact that he has been a non-corrupt leader, taking on criminals in Uttar Pradesh, unlike the previous governments. He still represents the good governance the BJP has to offer.
However, a Congress leader pointed out that the BJP backing Yogi is not a surprise. In fact, it would have been a surprise if the party had decided to cut down on Yogi’s campaign.
“A decision from the BJP to reduce Yogi’s presence in the Karnataka would show the party losing confidence. They wouldn’t do such a thing. But this is immaterial, as we are certain that a person who couldn’t even provide a win his own constituency, will not be taken seriously by the people”, said the leader, who is part of the Congress’ campaign committee.
Yogi Still Relevant to BJP’s Plans
For the BJP, removing Yogi from their campaign plans for Karnataka is impossible. As explained by a senior BJP leader, Yogi is part of the issue-wise division of the party’s campaign in Karnataka.
The BJP, as part of its election campaign, has given clear roles to each leader. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the face of the party’s promise of development, BS Yeddyurappa will project himself as a pro-farmer leader. Yogi and leaders like Anant Kumar Hegde form the third group, which will focus on the Hindutva ideology.
The UP CM has been at the job effectively during this rallies in the state. During his first rally in Bengaluru, Yogi questioned Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for not banning cow slaughter despite being Hindu, in his second rally in Hubballi, Yogi raised the issue of the Karnataka government giving importance to Tipu Jayanti over Hanuman Jayanti, and during his third rally in Mangaluru, he raised the issue of deaths of Hindu karyakartas.
“Despite the loss, Yogi is still in a strong advocate of the BJP’s pro-Hindu policy. So, he is still relevant and effective”, added the BJP leader.
Gorakhpur Loss Boosts Congress’ Morale in Karnataka
The Congress in Karnataka spared no time in attacking Yogi over his party’s defeat in Uttar Pradesh. CM Siddaramaiah tweeted asking the UP CM not to lecture his state on development after the BJP lost the twin Lok Sabha by-elections in Uttar Pradesh.
The Congress also targeted BJP’s chief ministerial candidate Yeddyurappa, asking him not to bow before a man who can’t even save his own former seat.
For the Congress party, which had seen a lull in its election campaign, the BJP’s loss in the Uttar Pradesh bypolls comes as a morale boost. The party believes the recent results haven’t just impacted Yogi’s image, but have also sent a strong message to the people about the slowing down of the Modi wave in the country.
So, has the BJP actually lost its star campaigner in Karnataka? The answer to this question depends upon the party’s subsequent choice of chief guest at its Bengaluru rally. If chosen, it would be interesting to see what sort of a response Yogi gets from the crowd.
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