Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State President B.Y. Vijayendra has expressed regret and publicly apologized for using objectionable language against Congress leaders. The controversy arose after Vijayendra used harsh remarks in Davanagere while discussing quota issues. Following widespread public criticism and protest posters placed outside his father's residence in Bengaluru, Vijayendra clarified that his statement was driven by anger over youth unemployment and reservation policies, maintaining that he had no intentional malice.
Explaining the cause of his outburst, Vijayendra stated that his frustration was triggered by state youth taking to the streets over unemployment and quota concerns. He accused the Congress government of failing to properly defend reservation policies in court and cited alleged irregularities in recruitment related to the Karnataka Public Service Commission. Additionally, Vijayendra criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for imposing what he characterized as a "price hike gift" during Diwali through increased prices for milk, curd, and bus travel.
The incident led to an escalating political fallout between the parties. Congress workers initiated a poster war, displaying anti-BJP protest posters outside Vijayendra's family residence, which were later removed by staff. Senior Congress leader B.K. Hariprasad demanded that Vijayendra issue a public apology within three days. In response to the state government's measures, Vijayendra announced that the BJP will organize statewide protests across all district headquarters to oppose the price increases and government negligence.
Congress workers initiated a poster war, displaying anti-BJP protest posters outside Vijayendra's family residence, which were later removed by staff.