Had it been about dynasty, they would have made me minister, says Yediyurappa’s son Vijayendra

BJP candidate from Shikaripura, Vijayendra says that 'pro-people policies of Yediyurappa-Bommai govt reaching every home in Karnataka is a boost'.

B.Y. Vijayendra in conversation with ThePrint | Sharan Poovanna | ThePrint

Shikaripura: Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) vice-president B.Y. Vijayendra, the son of former chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa, is set for electoral debut in the upcoming Karnataka election. The 47-year-old, who is the BJP’s candidate from Shikaripura in Shivamogga district, is accused by his political detractors of taking over party affairs and running a ‘parallel government’ during BSY’s reign.

Shikaripura is the only seat in Karnataka’s 224-member assembly that the BJP has retained since 1983 barring in 1999 and 2013. Voting in Karnataka is due on 10 May, and the results will be out on 13 May.

In an exclusive interview with ThePrint, Vijayendra opens up about how he is trying to carve out an identity for himself as a politician, and the roles and responsibilities entrusted to him by the party. Edited excerpts:

SP: Is Shikaripura an easy contest, since your father has won eight times from this seat?

BYV: On 4th and 5th (of May), I’m covering almost 14 assembly constituencies. I’ve been on tour since the day after I filed my nomination. But we haven’t taken (Shikaripura) lightly either, since this is my first election. It is the third time I’m covering the constituency and I would’ve touched all villages in the constituency for a third time by the end of 3 May.

Lambanis (nomadic tribals) are also coming out in full strength. We did not expect this kind of response (from Lambanis). They initially opposed us, but they also realised that they were wrong.

SP: What are the issues facing this region?

BYV: According to me, issues are nil. There is nothing negative here except the Opposition spreading misinformation that Vijayendra won’t be in the constituency after he wins. They say that even if he wins, Vijayendra will stay more in Bengaluru while we (Opposition candidates) will remain here. Other than this, they (Opposition) have no ammunition. 

One advantage I have is the development work done by my father (BSY) and the second is the strength of our (BJP’s) organisation. There is also curiosity about Vijayendra among the youth. They have some expectations that I’ll do some good work. There is a positive impact of Sira (November 2020 bypoll) and KR Pete (December 2019 bypoll).

They (youngsters) also watch me speak on TV at the state-level and there is happiness and a sense of pride among them.

SP: How are you doing things differently than your father?

BYV: This time, the speciality is that we’re going to every village, as party workers used to manage this aspect (earlier). In the 1970s and 1980s, my father used to go. But this will be my third visit to each and every village. Because women will want to see me, and I’m reaching every village.

SP: What are the issues of the Malnad region (comprising 13 districts including Shivamogga, Hassan, Kodagu and Chikmagalur)?

BYV: We have many programmes given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and programmes of the state government. We aren’t saying ‘double engine government’ for the sake of it. There are a lot of pro-people policies that have reached them, and the workers are focusing on getting this message to every home. That is the biggest boost, according to me. 

There is not as much anti-incumbency as portrayed by the state and national media. Especially in the last one week, when national leaders have campaigned and all this will lead to a positive impact. On April 8, the PM will come to Sagar constituency. That will also have a positive impact. 

SP: But minorities have felt more and more isolated under the BJP’s rule…

BYV: I don’t want to discuss other regions but as far as Shikaripura is concerned, probably the maximum number of minorities vote for us. I’m referring to Christians, Muslims and all others. 

SP: How do you respond to the Congress’s allegations then?

BY Vijayendra: That is their sole business and they have no other narrative to build against us. Other than saying that the BJP is anti-minority, they have no ammunition with them. But it was the BJP who removed triple talaq. Why didn’t the Congress party not want to make this reform? Are they (Muslim women) not humans? Where is the equality for women in the Muslim community when compared to Hindus? Triple talaq has impacted each and every woman.

They (Muslim women) cannot openly talk since they do not have that freedom, but will do the right thing when it’s time to vote. But, the Prime Minister and the BJP understood this problem and did the right thing.

SP: There is an allegation against your family of dynasty politics…

BYV: Just because I’m Yediyurappa’s son, had they (the BJP government) taken me into the state cabinet, I would have agreed with your statement. 

I’ve been working in the party for the last 10 years. I have worked as the general secretary, vice-president, and morcha (Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha) convenor. Though I’m a first-time candidate, I’m travelling across the state…7-8 districts. 

I was not made the vice-president (of state BJP) because I’m Yediyurappa’s son, nor given an MLA ticket. To help the party grow, they have given me a ticket and an opportunity. Had it been about dynasty, then they would have made me a minister at that time itself (when Yediyurappa was the CM). 

SP: Has the issue of Amul vs Nandini resonated with the people of this region?

BYV: This is not an issue at all. Poor Congress leaders have nothing positive to say in front of the people. They are releasing their promises intermittently now. What were they doing all these years? You (Congress) had all the powers in the country….state, Centre was under your administration. Once the people have forgotten about them, they’re now thinking of the poor. Even the people have understood that it’s an eyewash. 

SP: There is a fear that if the BJP comes to power in Karnataka, the central leadership will take control and the state will lose its identity…

BYV: Who is saying this? We are in a democratic system. Every state has its own freedom. Modi does not run a dictatorship. There is no question of any state’s powers being usurped, nor does Modi have this mindset. That question will not arise at all. 

SP: What impact will Bommai’s administration have on this region?

BYV: Instead of saying Bommai’s government, say Yediyurappa’s and Bommai’s government. Yediyurappa’s and Bommai’s popular programmes…those given by Modi…
all this is a blessing for us. 

SP: So, is this what is allowing you to travel to other constituencies?

BYV: Our strength is our organisation. I’m travelling to other constituencies and do not think there are any other candidates doing this. Because they allege that, in Shikaripura, there is an understanding between Yediyurappa and Siddaramaiah. If that was the case, why did I need to go to villages for a third time? We have not taken it lightly. 

SP: Are you the only candidate given such responsibilities? 

BYV: I don’t know about the others, but I am travelling. Day after (Wednesday), I’m travelling to Tumakuru, Ballari, Raichur, Davanagere, Periyapatna and Hassan.

SP: Is there any reasoning behind the PM campaigning in the Kalyana-Karnataka (comprising districts earlier part of erstwhile Hyderabad state) region more?

BY Vijayendra: Only to win a majority. He is going everywhere to ensure we get a full majority There will be a positive impact. Amit Shah, Yogi Adityanath, J.P. Nadda and others coming will have a positive impact.

(Edited by Amrtansh Arora)