Both factions refuse to budge, can Chouhan ensure a ‘happy’ ending?

Bengaluru: The factional feud in BJP continues to burn unabated even as groups for and against BY Vijayendra, incumbent state president, believe the decision of central brass could swing either way. While Vijayendra's supporters claim his position is intact, dissidents are determined to intensify efforts to unseat him.
Vijayendra's supporters point to the fact that the party hasn't yet called an election to choose a new president to suggest the high command favours his continuation. On the other hand, dissidents, who initially demanded an election to choose a new president but later backtracked, say they won't stop efforts to have him unseated.
"The state president is traditionally chosen by consensus rather than a poll," said Ashwath Narayan Gowda, BJP chief spokesperson. "We expect the tradition to continue. The party high command will decide on a new president based on opinions of functionaries. Some may want an election, but the opinion of the larger section is against conflict."
The rebel camp, led by seniors Basanagouda Patil Yatnal and Ramesh Jarkiholi, had initially urged party brass to hold an election, arguing that Vijayendra had failed to lead the party effectively. Initially, Yatnal said he would contest but later suggested former minister B Sreeramulu would stand. Both then backed out.
However, a section of dissidents still wants an election even though that seems some way off as party brass is yet to finalise presidents for 13 of 49 party district units. They form the electorate. All eyes are now on Shivaraj Singh Chouhan, Union agriculture minister and observer to elect the president, who is expected to visit Bengaluru on Feb 28.
"We would have fielded someone from our team had the party facilitated elections but there is no sign of a poll being held so there is no question of challenging Vijayendra in a poll," said GM Siddeshwar, former Davanagere MP and a prominent dissident. "But our fight to replace him will continue."
MLA Kumar Bangarappa, another dissident, said his faction still wants an election. "Some are trying to create the impression that there would be no election," he said. "It is not true. There should be proper procedure including announcement of a calendar of events. We will decide on a candidate once the election is announced."
Meanwhile, supporters of Vijayendra, who had promised a "happy ending" to the dispute by Feb 20, now claim that since the high command has not spelt out any plans to replace him, it is a clear sign that he would continue.
"The high command is convinced about Vijayendra's performance after he took over as president in Dec 2023. He will continue for the full term of three years. A few vested interests are spreading canards," said Sharanu Salagara, Basavakalyan MLA.