Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje is anticipated to be appointed as the President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka after nearly five months since the party faced a significant setback in the Karnataka Assembly elections. This strategic move is currently under consideration, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Shobha Karandlaje, a prominent member of the Vokkaliga community, stands as a strong candidate for the position, reflecting the party's deliberate approach to navigating the state's political landscape following the electoral loss. In addition to Karandlaje, CT Ravi and the state's vice-president, Vijayendra Yediyurappa, are also contenders for the role.
Former Karnataka Chief Minister, BS Yediyurappa, has advocated for his son to be selected for the position. Nevertheless, the BJP is now focused on leveraging caste dynamics to its advantage as part of its strategy in the state.
The Vokkaliga community, a politically influential group, predominantly resides in the southern region of Karnataka, commonly referred to as Old Mysuru. With 51 Assembly seats, Old Mysuru is the most significant region in the state. The BJP's electoral performance in this area has not been as robust compared to other regions.
Shobha Karandlaje, who hails from the Vokkaliga community, currently serves as a Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha, representing the Udupi-Chikkamagaluru constituency. Her prospective appointment is seen as a calculated maneuver by the BJP to bolster its support among the Vokkaliga community in the Old Mysuru region.
Furthermore, the BJP has recently announced its alliance with the Janata Dal Secular (JDS) for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. This alliance carries particular weight in southern Karnataka, where the Vokkaligas constitute a significant portion of the population, thereby expanding the BJP's voter base in the area.
Nalin Kumar Kateel, the incumbent President of the state unit, received an extension to his tenure after its original term ended last year. This extension was expected to persist until the conclusion of the Assembly elections. However, following the party's electoral setback in the state, the BJP has not yet named a successor for the position.
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