B.Y. Vijayendra plays down viral video, says there is no ambiguity in support to Bidadi farmers
BJP Karnataka president B.Y. Vijayendra has dismissed controversy surrounding a viral video where he allegedly described the party's support for Bidadi farmers as symbolic. He reaffirmed the party's commitment to protecting farmers' land and clarified that his absence from a recent protest was not politically motivated.
Why it matters
The incident highlights internal political tensions and the challenges of maintaining a unified front in coalition-style opposition politics in India.
A day after a video of his alleged comments on the Bidadi Township Project went viral embarrassing the party, BJP State president B.Y. Vijayendra said on Monday that there was no ambiguity within the party regarding protection of farmers’ interests in Bidadi.
“The BJP will fight for the protection of farmers’ land not only in Bidadi, but across the State,” he told presspersons here.
His response comes a day after the video of a conversation between Mr. Vijayendra and Minister Madhu Bangarappa went viral, in which the former is heard saying that Bidadi farmers are gradually accepting the compensation. He had termed the BJP’s support to the farmers’ cause as “symbolic.”
Without directly referring to the controversial video, Mr. Vijayendra said there was no need for anyone to be confused about the Bidadi padayatra.
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