Karnataka: BJP veterans upset as Amit Shah backs Bommai as party's face for 2023 polls

A section of leaders was unhappy with party picking Bommai as CM

ITDC INDIA EPRESS/ITDC NEWS R Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent statement that the BJP would fight the next Assembly elections in Karnataka under Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai's leadership has caused heartburn to senior party leaders who had dismissed Bommai's anointment as the CM replacing Lingayat strongman B. S. Yediyurappa in July as only a "stop-gap" arrangement.

During his visit to the state last week, Shah not only exuded confidence in Bommai's leadership and praised his vast experience in administration and public life, but also recalled his "long association" with the party, apparently sending out a strong message to both the leaders and the cadres to respect the party's choice.

While the state leaders were surprised to hear such an important announcement coming from the former party chief instead of party president J.P. Nadda, Shah's statement has undoubtedly rankled the senior leaders who were unhappy with the party picking Bommai to succeed Yediyurappa. Former chief minister Jagadish Shettar had refused to join the Bommai cabinet saying he was too "senior" to be part of a junior's cabinet. Shettar, also a Lingayat leader from north Karnataka, rushing to meet Yediyurappa soon after Shah's comments has led to speculations in party circles.