Bengaluru: The Karnataka BJP has come down hard on its leaders over complaints of forming factions and indiscipline with the party leadership sending show-cause notices to five leaders — MP Renukachrya, Katta Subramanya Naidu, Shivaram Hebbar, BP Harish and ST Somshekhar.
The leaders have been asked to submit their responses over their “unwarranted comments” on the saffron party’s internal affairs on public forums. The notices came from central disciplinary committee secretary OM Pathak on Tuesday.
Factions forming in Karnataka BJP?
The Karnataka unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is facing internal factionalism. A rebel group has opposed state president BY Vijayendra and demanded his removal.
Meanwhile, Vijayendra’s supporters have been making statements against Basanagouda Patil Yatnal and other dissident leaders, calling for action against them. Some of these statements have also been viewed as critical of the party leadership.
Katta Subramanya Naidu, MP Renukacharya, and BP Harish are considered close to Vijayendra. While Subramanya Naidu and Renukacharya are former ministers, Harish is currently an MLA.
According to sources, the party leadership has been considering action against Shivaram Hebbar and ST Somshekhar for their “anti-party” remarks. Vijayendra previously stated that the party would take measures against the two MLAs for their “unwarranted comments.” Both leaders are believed to have close ties with top Congress figures in the state.
The BJP has now sent identical show-cause notices to the five leaders.
“Your unwarranted comments on the party’s internal affairs in public forums are in clear contravention of the discipline code as enshrined in the Bharatiya Janata Party constitution and rules. Going public on organisational matters amounts to a breach of party discipline as enshrined in Article XXV ‘Breach of Discipline’ sections (d) & (f),” the notice said.
72 hours to give clarification
The BJP leaders have been given 72 hours to justify why disciplinary action should not be taken against them.
“The party directs you to show cause as to why disciplinary action should not be initiated against you. Your explanation must be submitted to the undersigned within 72 hours of receiving this notice,” the notice stated.
“In case your response is not received within the stipulated time, the Central Disciplinary Committee may assume that you have no defence and proceed to take a final decision on the matter,” it added.
