Bengaluru: A group of BJP leaders backing B.Y. Vijayendra have demanded that he continue as the Karnataka BJP State President for the next three years and sought the expulsion of leaders speaking against him from the party.

At a meeting held on Tuesday morning at the residence of former minister Katta Subramanya Naidu, the leaders passed a resolution urging the leadership to retain Vijayendra as the president. They questioned why strict action has not been taken against leaders who have been critical of the party and demanded the expulsion of senior leaders like Basanagouda Patil Yatnal and Ramesh Jarkiholi for their dissent.

Speaking at a press conference, former minister M.P. Renukacharya stated, “We are all committed to strengthening the organization. Membership drives have been successful, and the party must focus on winning the upcoming Zilla Panchayat and Taluk Panchayat elections. Vijayendra has worked tirelessly to rebuild the party with the trust of everyone. It is the collective opinion of leaders that he should lead us in the next Assembly elections as well.”

Renukacharya added that the group would convey their demands to party in-charge Radhamohan Agarwal and the high command. He further expressed concerns that some leaders were misleading the central leadership, emphasizing the need to address such issues. “Everything will be sorted soon,” he assured.

Former minister Katta Subramanya Naidu echoed the sentiments, stating, “We are united and focused on ensuring the party’s victory in the upcoming elections. Most of those attending today’s meeting are from constituencies where there are no alternative candidates. This will also be conveyed to the high command. Those speaking against the party will stop their rhetoric within a few days. Vijayendra is likely to take charge as president by the first week of February, and under his leadership, we will face the elections.”