More than leader or minister, I want to be an ordinary party worker: Yediyurappa's son Vijayendra

synopsis

Bengaluru: He was denied a ticket from Hanur in Chamarajanagar in the 2018 Karnataka election. Yet, that did not stop him from carving a niche for himself. Although, he has the most powerful Lingayat leader as a father backing him for plum posts in the BJP, he has expressed his wish to remain an ordinary party worker before taking a giant leap. The recent by-election in the state allowed him to prove his mettle on a larger scale, working towards defeating the JD(S) in its backyard. And this sure has been an indication towards BY Vijayendra becoming the next-gen leader. Meet BY Vijayendra, BJP's new Lingayat face after CM BS Yediyurappa.

Speaking exclusively to Asianet Newsable, BY Vijayendra gave his insights on his role in the sweeping victory of BJP in the Karnataka by-elections.

What do you think about this victory in JD(S) bastion? With this victory, speculations are rife that you will be given a Cabinet berth?

As far as the victory in KR Pete is concerned, I want to remind everyone that it was not my role alone. It is complete team effort that was executed well. Deputy CM Ashwathnarayana, Hassan MLA Preetham Gowda, general secretary Ramesh Gowda and the local team worked hard together for this victory. As far as my getting into the Cabinet, I am not an aspirant. I am not after any post of MLA or minister, I want to be an ordinary worker.

It was said that in 2018, your adversaries in BJP ensured you miss out on the ticket from Hanur as they allegedly feared your growth?

I don't think the story or theory of someone trying to sabotage my political career is true. Someone interfering and cancelling the ticket is not true. The party may have not given the ticket thinking my father was CM and brother was MP and this may send a wrong message.

Sources say, JD(S) leaders Suresh Gowda and Ravindra Shrikantaiah will be supported with funds to develop their constituency. Does this mean BJP is preparing well for a smooth migration later? 

Currently, BJP has the strength and a stable government is in place. Since there will be a stable government, CM and other ministers will be concerned about development. And other issues will not matter.

BS Yediyurappa is the tallest Lingayat leader. After BSY, are you likely to fill in his shoes and lead the state BJP one day?

I don't agree with the idea of limiting BS Yediyurappa with only one community. He is a leader for Hindus, Muslims, Christians and all the communities. We may have taken birth in the Lingayat community but we enjoy the confidence of every religion and community. As far as I am concerned, I have a long way to go and right now, I want to concentrate on strengthening the party organisation.

How is your family's equation with the Muslims especially in Shivamogga?

Like I said earlier, we do not limit ourselves to any particular community or religion. We enjoy the trust of everyone and during the tenure of BS Yediyurappa in 2008, Shivamogga developed. This is because we took everyone into confidence here as our focus is on overall development.