With the Lok Sabha election due in six months, the Karnataka BJP, in order to ensure that the absence of union leader HN Ananth Kumar does not cost them dearly in long run, is said to possess a plan to strengthen its Karnataka base, especially in Southern Karnataka. The plan aims to make inroads into the Vokkaliga heartland of Old Mysuru region. As a result, they have decided to promote key leaders like Aravind Limbavali and CT Ravi.
Bengaluru: With the death of the firebrand BJP leader from south India union minister, HN Ananth Kumar, and age going against the state BJP President, BS Yeddyurappa, the BJP seem to be looking at an overhaul of its Karnataka base. in this regard, the BJP is planning to promote Vokkaliga leader CT Ravi and Mahadevapura MLA Aravind Limbavali.
According to sources, the BJP will decide its future course of action in the National Executive meet on January 11 and 12.
"CT Ravi being a Vokkaliga may get a major push. He is interested in state leadership, but the party is keen on elevating his status and may field him as a MP candidate. Regarding Limbavali, since he too is close to the RSS, he may be used to strengthen the BJP backward community base. said a source in the BJP.
Recently, the BJP announced the party in-charge for different states to fight the Lok Sabha election. Limbavali was appointed as the Telangana state in-charge while CT Ravi was co-in-charge of Tamil Nadu for the party.
Speaking to MyNation, CT Ravi confirmed his desire to be in state politics. However, he says that if the party wants him to take up other responsibilities, he will take up the challenge. "I’m not interested in contesting as a MP and playing an active role at the Centre. My desire is for state politics. In case the high command wants to me to take up parliamentary elections, I will take it up." said Ravi.
Commenting on the vacuum in the BJP fold after minister HN Ananth Kumar's death, Ravi says, Ananth Kumar was the stalwart and he cannot match him in any way.
Hinting how he could dent the Congress and the JD(S) votes, Ravi opined that the BJP has emerged as an alternative party in Karnataka now, and in ten years it will be the main party "We got 2.5 lakh votes in the MP election in Mandya, which is a JD(S) bastion. We have two MLAs in Hassan's eight assembly segments. With the Congress and the JD(S) forging an alliance now, we can play a major role." Ravi said.
Limbavali was not available for comment. However, BJP spokesperson, Ashwath Narayan said, “The party will not take any decision on change of leadership as the MP election is due in May. Before that we have Central budget and following that there will be state budget. There will be no change and Yeddyurappa will remain the state president. The induction of young leaders will only be taken later after MP polls."
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