A senior BJP leader on Friday demanded the removal of Karnataka chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa over rising corruption and alleged “kickbacks” in an irrigation project, at a time the state unit of the party is riven over the veteran politician’s continuance in the top post.

BJP leader A.H. Vishwanath, a member of the Legislative Council, told a news conference: “The tender for Rs 21,473 crore for the Upper Bhadra project is ready with the irrigation department. But no financial clearance has been sought and no board meeting held. The intention is to take kickbacks from contractors. Is this a government for contractors?”

A day after describing Yediyurappa as “frail” and unfit to continue in office, Vishwanath told reporters that the chief minister must be replaced as his “inefficiency” had led to corruption in the state. Vishwanath did not elaborate on his allegation.

The BJP legislator has accused Yediyurappa’s son and state party vice-president B.Y. Vijayendra of interfering in administrative matters although he does not hold any office.

“I am upset with dynasty politics and corruption. Everyone knows about the interference of Vijayendra,” he said.

“Which minister is happy today? He (Vijayendra) is interfering in all departments,” Vishwanath said.

“He (Yediyurappa) had gone to jail earlier because of his children during his earlier term as chief minister. My fear is that the same thing might happen again,” he said, referring to Yediyurappa’s 25-day stint in jail over a land scam in 2011 that cost him his job as the BJP forced him to resign.

One of the 17 defectors who triggered the downfall of the Janata Dal Secular-Congress coalition government in 2019 and helped the BJP return to power, Vishwanath is peeved at Yediyurappa for not rewarding him adequately.

Vishwanath could not be made a minister since he is a nominated member of the Legislative Council.

Asked about the corruption allegation raised by Vishwanath, the chief minister said: “The irrigation secretary will clarify everything. They are raising unnecessary and baseless allegations for political reasons,” he said.

Yediyurappa indicated that the party would not tolerate dissidence.

“Some 60 MLAs met (BJP national general secretary) Arun Singh yesterday (in Bangalore). But the one or two who are talking against me were not even allowed to meet him,” the chief minister said.

Yediyurappa was apparently alluding to MLAs Basangouda Patil Yatnal and Arvind Bellad. While Yatnal has been demanding a change of leadership for over a year, Bellad on Thursday alleged that the government was tapping his phone and monitoring his movements.