Bangalore: Intensifying his bid for a
comeback, former Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa
today began meeting party MLAs to chalk out a plan to mount
pressure on the BJP central leadership to give him a post.
The luncheon meeting called by Yeddyurappa at his Race
Course residence for a show of strength ahead of party
President Nitin Gadkari`s expected arrival this evening, was
attended by MLAs, MLCs and some ministers.
Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda, accompanied by state
unit President K S Eswarappa called on Yeddyurappa briefly but
both leaders made a quick exit.
Sources in the Gowda camp said the Chief Minister wanted
to persuade Yeddyurappa to drop his plans of show of strength,
but it went in vain.
However, Eswarappa told reporters that the troubles faced
by BJP would end in about two or three days.
Admitting there are differences among leaders, he said
Gadkari would iron them out at the `Chintan Mantan Baitak`, a
brainstorming session called by BJP tomorrow at a private
resort on the outskirts of the city.
"The party high command will take a decision on the
leadership change issue", he said.
Meanwhile, Rural Development Minister Jagadish Shettar,
who was defeated by Yeddyurappa camp in the election for the
BJP legislature party leader post in August last year and is
now in the anti-Gowda camp, has identified himself with
Yeddyurappa.
Shettar said, "Yeddyurappa has called a meeting over
lunch to discuss the political situation. I don`t know the
agenda, whether it includes leadership change. I am attending
it."
Excise Minister M P Renukacharya, a staunch Yeddyurappa
loyalist, said the meeting would discuss the style of
functioning of Gowda, "who is favourable to Congress and JDS
leaders, rather than his party leaders."
"We have documentary proof to prove this charge. We will
present it to Gadkari", he said.
Sources in the Yeddyurappa camp said that they would
press for change of guard and seek Gowda`s resignation to make
him honour the promise they claimed was made to their leader
to quit after six months.
Yeddyurappa had hoped to return as Chief Minister in about
six months, but his plans failed to fructify as the BJP high
command did not show inclination to re-instate him.
Party sources said Gadkari will arrive here tonight,
attend chintan manthan tomorrow and return to Delhi.
PTI
