Alleged Audio of Karnataka BJP Leader Asking to 'Kick Out' State President Sparks Debate

An audio clip allegedly featuring senior BJP leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda has surfaced, in which he purportedly suggests waiting for state party president B.Y. Vijayendra's term to end before removing him. Mr. Gowda has denied the authenticity of the clip, calling it fake. The controversy has drawn sharp reactions from Mr. Vijayendra's supporters, highlighting ongoing factionalism within the state unit.

The clip, which went viral on Monday, comes amid speculation that the party high command may revamp the state leadership following internal dissatisfaction, particularly after cross-voting in the recent Legislative Council elections. In the alleged conversation, a man purported to be Mr. Gowda tells another person referred to as 'Pradeep ji' that the party should wait for Mr. Vijayendra's three-year term to conclude in November. 'He completes his three-year term by November. Why should we create another confusion now? If we wait for another two months, his term will also be over and no one can complain against the removal of the president... In October, kick him out,' the man is heard saying.

Mr. Gowda declined to comment on the audio, stating it was not his voice. He told media persons that he would only respond if the party high command questioned him about it. He also expressed regret that internal party matters were being discussed publicly.

Former minister M.P. Renukacharya, a close associate of Mr. Vijayendra and his father B.S. Yediyurappa, responded strongly. 'We will not tolerate such a conspiracy against Mr. Vijayendra. We will have to raise our voices openly,' he said, adding that Mr. Gowda became chief minister because of Mr. Yediyurappa's sacrifice. He also alleged that those opposing Mr. Vijayendra were responsible for cross-voting in the Council polls.

Mr. Vijayendra himself did not publicly address the controversy.