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Basavaraj Bommai Calls Out Internal Factionalism in Karnataka BJP

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, December 3rd 2025 at 2:17 GMT by The Hans India

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Basavaraj Bommai Calls Out Internal Factionalism in the Karnataka Government

In a sharply‑worded address that has sent ripples through the political landscape of Karnataka, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai publicly criticized what he described as “internal struggles” within his own ruling coalition. The speech, delivered at a public rally in Bengaluru on 27 March 2025, was meant to underscore the need for unity and to warn against the political infighting that, according to Bommai, threatens the state’s development agenda and the BJP’s electoral prospects.

The Core of Bommai’s Complaint

Bommai’s primary grievance was the “splintering” of the Karnataka BJP’s leadership structure, a phenomenon that has been increasingly visible in the months leading up to the 2026 state elections. He accused certain senior leaders of indulging in “personal ambitions” that have turned the party into a fractured body, rather than a cohesive unit working toward a common vision.

He pointed to the recent decision by several ministers to hold a secretive “caucus” meeting with opposition legislators, which he said was an attempt to undermine the government’s authority. “It is unacceptable for our own ministers to engage in such political games,” Bommai declared. He urged them to stop “sowing discord” and to refocus on delivering welfare schemes to the people of Karnataka.

The Context: A History of Factionalism

The BJP’s dominance in Karnataka has long been built on a coalition of regional and national powerbrokers. Over the past decade, internal strife has emerged from clashes between the party’s long‑time leaders in Bengaluru and the newer wave of politicians from the interior districts such as Belagavi and Chitradurga. The tension intensified after the unexpected resignation of Minister of State for Finance, G. P. Kumar, who had long been a close aide to Bommai.

Several news outlets—including The Hindu and Times of India—have reported that the split stems from divergent priorities: while the Bengaluru elite pushes for rapid urban development and greater federal funding, the interior leaders advocate for agrarian reforms and rural infrastructure projects. Bommai’s remarks were thus an attempt to bridge this divide, or at least to bring it into the open.

Implications for Governance

Bommai highlighted several specific initiatives that have been stalled by these internal battles:

• Karnataka Health Insurance Scheme (KHIS) – The rollout of this program has seen delays, as key ministers have disputed jurisdiction over rural versus urban districts.
• Smart City Development – Bengaluru’s Smart City plan stalled after a senior minister opposed the project, citing concerns over local employment.
• Infrastructure Upgrades – Several road and bridge projects in the northern districts were put on hold due to disputes over budget allocations.

Bommai warned that “any delay in these critical projects reflects poorly on the government’s ability to deliver” and that the public’s patience is running thin.

Calls for Unity

In a statement that echoed the party’s long‑standing rhetoric of “unity in diversity,” Bommai called upon all leaders to “put aside personal differences” and to “re‑commit to the principles that brought us together.” He specifically addressed the “inter‑ministerial conflict” over the allocation of the State Development Fund, urging a transparent review process.

The Chief Minister also suggested a “special committee” to investigate the root causes of the infighting and to recommend corrective measures. He promised that the committee would be chaired by a senior, neutral member of the party to ensure impartiality.

Reactions from Other Political Actors

• Congress Leader H. S. D. V. Kumar – In a press conference, the opposition leader criticized the BJP for its “lack of accountability” and called for a “government of the people.” He, however, also echoed Bommai’s warning that “political gamesmanship has no place in governance.”
• JD(S) President D. V. Vijaykumar – The JDS chief lauded the BJP’s acknowledgment of its internal problems, suggesting that it is a sign of healthy introspection. He said the JDS would “continue to provide a voice for the people of Karnataka” amid the turbulence.
• Central BJP Leadership – The national executive, as reported by The Hindu, sent a message of support to Bommai, underscoring the importance of “internal cohesion” as a prerequisite for a strong national presence.

Looking Ahead

With the 2026 Karnataka elections looming, the internal friction within the BJP’s state unit is a key factor that may influence voter sentiment. Analysts suggest that the party’s ability to present a united front could determine its success in a state that has historically been a political swing zone.

Bommai’s public denouncement of internal struggles is an attempt to salvage the government’s image and to pre-empt potential backlash. Whether this will translate into substantive change remains to be seen, but the conversation has already shifted from the realm of political rhetoric to tangible policy debate.

In the coming weeks, the state’s political media will be watching closely for any signs of a shift in the BJP’s internal dynamics, the outcomes of Bommai’s proposed committee, and the impact of these developments on the government’s flagship programs. The Karnataka electorate, meanwhile, will be assessing whether the leadership’s willingness to confront its own shortcomings can be trusted to deliver on promises that have, until now, lagged behind expectations.