Karnataka: BJP issues show-cause notices to five leaders

Nearly 45 days after issuing show-cause notice to rebel leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, the BJP central leadership has cracked the whip on prominent supporters of party State president B.Y. Vijayendra and another rebel leader by issuing show-cause notices to them on charges of violating party discipline.

The notices have been issued to Vijayendra camp’s leaders M.P. Renukacharya and Katta Subramanya Naidu, besides another rebel leader and MLA B.P. Harish. In addition, notices have also been issued to party MLAs and former Minister S.T. Somashekhar and Shivaram Hebbar, who have informally identified themselves with the Congress and have been embarrassing the party by criticising its leaders.

“Your unwarranted comments on the party’s internal affairs in public forums are in clear contravention of the discipline code,” the notices said. Explanation has been sought within 72 hours of receipt of the notice that has been signed by party central disciplinary committee member secretary Om Pathak.

The committee had issued a show-cause notice to Mr. Yatnal on February 10 on the charge of violating party discipline by indulging in a tirade against the party State leadership, particularly against veteran leader B.S. Yediyurappa and his son Mr. Vijayendra.

However, the present episode of issuing show-cause notices is being seen as a message by the party high command that disciplinary code applies to members of both the camps. With Tuesday’s series of issuing of notices, the party has so far issued notices to two leaders from the camps of rebels as well as Mr. Vijayendra. Interestingly, this action has come just ahead of choosing the next State president.

Issuing of show-cause notices to Mr. Somashekhar and Mr. Hebbar is seen as a separate issue and initiating of the long process to act against those who get elected on the party ticket, but later show political loyalties to its opponents, without resigning. Incidentally these two MLAs had joined the BJP through “Operation Kamala” after quitting their Assembly membership won on Congress ticket. The party had rewarded them by giving them ministerial berths.