Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 29 (ANI): A purported audio clip allegedly featuring former Union Minister and senior BJP leader DV Sadananda Gowda has gone viral on social media, creating fresh ripples within Karnataka's political circles. In the clip, Gowda is heard making critical remarks against BJP State president B Y Vijayendra's style of functioning and leadership.
The two-minute-long audio clip, which began circulating widely on Saturday evening, features the voice alleged to be that of Sadananda Gowda expressing discontent over recent decisions taken by the state unit and questioning the organizational approach under Vijayendra's leadership.
Gowda allegedly also refers to internal discussions and suggests that senior leaders are being sidelined and that he must be removed from the post of President so that the party can survive.
A former Chief Minister of Karnataka, Gowda served as Union Minister for Law, Railways, Chemicals and Fertilizers, and Statistics during the PM Narendra Modi government. He has been a prominent face of the BJP in Karnataka for over two decades.
Sadananda Gowda has not yet issued a public statement on the clip. Calls and messages to his office remained unanswered at the time of publishing. B Y Vijayendra's office said the State president would respond at an "appropriate time."
Vijayendra, son of former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, took over as Karnataka BJP President in November 2023. His appointment was seen as part of the party's generational shift strategy ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
The clip has triggered sharp reactions across party lines. BJP sources said the party is examining the authenticity of the audio. A senior office-bearer, requesting anonymity, said, "We are aware of the clip. The party will look into it and take appropriate action if needed. No indiscipline will be tolerated."
Congress leaders have seized on the development, with Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) spokespersons stating that the clip "exposes infighting" in the BJP. However, no official complaint has been filed regarding the audio so far.
The development comes ahead of a time when the Karnataka BJP is preparing for the upcoming local body elections and a state-wide organizational revamp. Party insiders say the central leadership is likely to seek a report from the State unit. (ANI)
