BSY’s controversial grandnephew’s appointment as secy reopens internal Karnataka BJP rift

Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa’s move to appoint NR Santhosh as his political secretary has threatened a precarious calm in Karnataka BJP. Santhosh who has been a close aide of BSY is also his grandnephew. 

Yediyurappa had already accommodated three or leaders-MP Renukacharya, SR Vishwanath and Shankargouda Patil-who missed cut for a cabinet berth as his political secretaries. appointment has raised questions of nepotism and merit in a deeply disgruntled state unit of BJP.

Santhosh has been BSY’s shadow for many years and has served in past as his personal secretary too. He was also spotted organising logistics for n rebel Congress and JDS MLAs ahead of ir resignations. 

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Controversial past

In 2017, NR Santhosh had been arrested on charges of kidnapping Vinay NS, private assistant of BJP leader and minister KS Eshwarappa. He also faces charges of dowry harassment and attempts to murder. 

Despite his proximity to chief minister, Santhosh had started hobbbing with several miffed leaders over last few months. Party insiders say that he was also behind letters demanding change of leadership that went viral a few months ago. y believe that he used se letters of rebellion as tools of arm twisting chief minister into giving him an influential position in his government and it w seems like move paid off.

Sources close to chief minister claim that Santhosh’s maternal family who lives in ir hometown of navinakere played a pivotal role in ‘homecoming’ of grandnephew. Family unity was emphasized in meetings to bring back Santhosh into BSY camp. 

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BJP leaders unhappy

But BJP leaders and several legislators who were still sulking at being left out of cabinet expansion have raised questions at yet ar blood relative being awarded a position by chief minister. role of his sons in governance has been a sore spot since beginning of term. 

Veterans like Murugesh Nirani and Umesh Katti have started opposition weighing party forums asking what merit does Santhosh possess to be given a position that comes with minister of state rank. 

In past, same leaders had been upset at being sidelined for turncoat MLAs who helped bring down coalition government and were rewarded with cabinet berths in state government.

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