The resignation of Minister B. Nagendra within 25 days of being sworn in has come as a much-needed shot in the arm for the Opposition BJP, which had taken up vociferous protest throughout the just-concluded Monsoon Session of the State legislature demanding his ouster on the grounds that he has been chargesheeted in the case of embezzlement of funds meant for the welfare of Scheduled Tribe communities.

The Opposition BJP, which had come under attack from its own cadre as well as the Central leaders for not being aggressive and failing to take any campaigns to a logical end, tasted its first success with Mr. Nagendra’s resignation.

The party’s strategists and central leaders were concerned when the change of guard took place in the Congress dispensation with D.K. Shivakumar taking over the mantle of chief ministership from Mr. Siddaramaiah, as they were apprehensive about their State unit leaders matching the aggressiveness of Mr. Shivakumar.

Their apprehensions were proved right in the beginning with the Opposition BJP and JD (S) facing an embarrassing defeat in the Legislative Council polls where they failed to protect their flock. The groupism and infighting within the organisation had also added to the humiliation for the saffron party.

However, the Nagendra episode has now boosted the confidence of the BJP as it was able to assert itself and make the Chief Minister to buckle under pressure. The party’s confidence had started growing soon after the Monsoon Session was abruptly wound up two days ahead of the schedule.

The significance of the BJP’s fight leading to his resignation was underscored by party’s national president Nitin Nabin reportedly patting Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok during their meeting on Friday.

Enthused by the resignation, the BJP has now decided to flex its political muscles by embarking on campaigns along with its coalition partner JD(S) on other issues too, including the irregularities in recruitment examinations by the Karnataka Public Service Commission, alleged slack response of the government to drought, Bidadi Township Project, and legal questions over collection of toll by NICE for its road users.

This was echoed by Mr. Ashok and State president B.Y. Vijayendra who remarked that Mr. Nagendra’s resignation is not the end, but beginning of their campaign.

Amidst this newfound enthusiasm, party strategists still feel that the party could build on the resignation episode only if it puts an end to groupism, galvanise the cadre and improve co-ordination with JD(S).

What about padayatra?

The immediate question before the Opposition coalition is whether to continue with the Ballari padayatra, which is scheduled to begin from September 1 in the wake of Nagendra’s resignation. Party sources say that a decision on whether to go ahead with the padayatra would be taken after a consultation among senior leaders.