Bengaluru: The once-dominant five-year tenure marked by complacency, disconnection from the populace, and a regime tainted by corruption and arrogance within the BJP’s State unit faced a resounding blow on August 26. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, upon his arrival in Bengaluru to felicitate scientists from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), conspicuously disregarded the presence of key BJP leaders at the HAL Airport.
Sporting a sombre expression, Modi deliberately averted his gaze from the awaiting Assembly of BJP leaders and MLAs. Instead, he acknowledged the crowd gathered at a distance from the VIP enclosure, where the party’s representatives had congregated. Prominent figures among the sidelined BJP leaders included State BJP President and MP Nalin Kumar Kateel along with MLA R. Ashoka, among others. Subsequently, Modi proceeded to the ISRO satellite centre, where he engaged with the scientists.
The rationale behind Modi’s unprecedented neglect of his own party members in the state appears to emanate from their lackluster efforts during the 2023 Assembly elections. This lack of due diligence significantly contributed to the party’s unfavourable electoral performance.
Additionally, allegations of corruption and an air of haughtiness further exacerbated the situation.
In response to the airport incident, MLA R. Ashoka, seemingly eager to divert attention from the debacle, criticised the state Government for its purported failure to adhere to protocols upon the Prime Minister’s arrival. Ashoka blamed the absence of Chief Minister S. Siddaramiah or Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar at the airport to receive Modi. However, Ashoka remained oblivious to the fact that the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) had communicated to the Chief Secretary, expressly exempting this visit from official protocol. In such instances, the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and even the Home Minister of the state are not obliged to receive the Prime Minister.
Although Ashoka and Nalin Kumar Kateel initially seemed inclined to escalate the matter, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar promptly addressed the issue in a press briefing. He clarified that the PMO had corresponded with the state Government, designating the visit as unofficial. Unfortunately, Nalin Kumar Kateel and Ashoka had prematurely leveled baseless allegations against the Government, undermining their own credibility.