BJP In Karnataka: Playing The Victim While Flirting With Disorder

In the aftermath of its electoral defeat in Karnataka, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) finds itself at a political crossroads. From the very first days of sitting in the opposition benches, the party has exhibited signs of restlessness, even desperation, that do not befit a national party with experience in governance. The BJP’s behaviour in the state increasingly mirrors that of a party that wants to have the cake and eat it too—demanding respect as a responsible political force while indulging in tactics that border on the reckless.

Instead of recalibrating its strategy and presenting itself as a constructive opposition, the party has taken the easier, louder path: street processions, dharnas, bandhs, and a regular stream of belligerent, often provocative, statements. The idea seems to be to remain in the headlines, not by virtue of thoughtful critique or legislative pressure, but through optics-driven disruptions. While such tactics may galvanize the core cadre, they fail to inspire confidence among the broader electorate. An opposition party is expected not just to oppose but to offer a compelling alternative. Unfortunately, the BJP in Karnataka is doing neither.

What makes matters worse is the party’s reaction to legal action against its workers. There have been numerous instances where BJP-affiliated activists have been booked for unlawful acts, ranging from moral policing to hate-driven violence. Instead of distancing itself from these elements, the party has rallied behind them, painting the legal proceedings as political vendetta. This inversion of justice—where the law is wrong and the lawbreaker is a victim—is deeply troubling. The message it sends is that party loyalty supersedes constitutional norms.

In a functioning democracy, such behaviour should not be allowed. No political party can be above the rule of law. When elected representatives or their followers engage in unlawful behaviour, due process must follow. It is one thing to cry foul over targeted harassment; it is quite another to portray every lawful arrest as an act of oppression. By consistently defending those who break the law, the BJP risks becoming an enabler of disorder.

Compounding this problem is the party’s leadership vacuum. Since the sidelining of B S Yediyurappa and the lack of clarity over B L Santhosh or Kageri Vishweshwar Hegde roles, the party appears rudderless. Without a credible, unifying state face, it leans excessively on street theatrics and the muscle of its cadre. But muscle without message only leads to mayhem, not mandate.

Ultimately, the people of Karnataka are watching. They know the difference between activism and anarchism. If the BJP wishes to regain political ground, it must show that it is capable of responsible, democratic opposition. Until then, its rhetoric will ring hollow, and its actions will only deepen the public’s distrust.