Bengaluru : BJP appointed BY Vijayendra, son of former chief minister and BJP Parliamentary Board member BS Yeddyurappa , as president of Karnataka BJP for a three year term in a bid to consolidate the party’s core support base among Lingayats. After months of wait rife with speculation BJP appointed 47 year old  first time MLA   Vijayendra. With this yeddiyurappa  and Vijayendra become the first father son duo to occupy the top post. Yedyurappa was president of the state BJP unit three times.

The elevation of Vijayendra comes at a time when the party appears to be disarray following its poll defeat, and several BJP functionaries including a few MLAs, are looking to shift to the Congress. At the same time party’s desperation to win back Lingayats-its major vote bank ahead of the LS polls also prompted Vijyaendra ‘s  promotion. After taking new post as bjp cheif vijayendra said thae party will elect opposition leaders in both Houses of the state legislature Friday (Nov17). Speaking to media vijayenda said, I am not new to the party though first time MLA, I have worked at various levels in the past 12 years . I have served BJP Bengaluru secretary, general secretary of the Yuva  Morcha and even party vice-president. I have the experience, and I am confident that with guidance from my  seniors, I will be able to take BJP to new heights in Karnataka. He said It is my duty to take all our seniors along while giving more opportunities to youth in our party. I do not anticipate any major dissent.

Analysts say BJP’s dismal outing had much to do with the saffron party trying to cut its ties with Yediyurappa and sidelining his during most of the campaign. Now though, it has thrown its weight behind Vijayendra to revive the party’s flagging fortunes in Karnataka ahead of Lok Sabha elections next year.