Bangalore: Rubbishing speculations that he
might float his own outfit following reported differences with
the BJP top brass, former Karnataka chief minister B S
Yeddyurappa on Wednesday said he would work for strengthening the
party as a loyal worker.
"Why should I float a new party ? Over the years I have
built the party (BJP) in the state. We had just two MLAs in
the assembly. Now it is the number one party in the state,"
Yeddyurappa told reporters here.
Yeddyurappa, who was released from prison on bail in a
graft case yesterday, also dismissed reports that he wanted to
be made the party state unit chief.
Reports in recent weeks suggested that Yeddyurappa might
float his own party as he was unhappy with the party central
leadership over his treatment in the aftermath of his
indictment by the Lokayukta report on illegal mining and
subsequent developments that undermined his role.
The absence of Yeddyurappa`s supporters in senior leader L
K Advani`s rally here recently as part of his Jan Chetna Yatra
brought to fore intra-party differences fuelling further
speculation about the former chief minister`s next move.
"I am not an aspirant for any post including that of the
state unit President. As a loyal worker of BJP, I will tour
the state and strengthen the party", Yeddyurappa said.
He blamed some forces including opposition for the
corruption cases filed against him.
"Some who are intolerant about my government`s achievements
and the welfare schemes I initiated, hatched a conspiracy
against me and I had to go to jail," Yeddyurappa, arrested in
a case relating to alleged irregularities in denotification of
government lands, said.
"I won`t brand those who filed cases against me as my
opponents. They are all my well wishers. Let them approach
Supreme Court. I am confident of proving my innocence",
Yeddyurappa said in a voice choked with emotion.
A day after his release from the jail, hunderds of BJP
workers, ministers and legislators of his party thronged his
residence to reaffirm their support to him.
Yeddyurappa said he would soon call on BJP President Nitin
Gadkari and senior leader L K Advani.
Excise Minister M P Renukacharya, a hardcore supporter of
Yeddyurappa, insisted that the former chief minister should be
made the state party President.
Yeddyurappa`s contribution in installing BJP`s first ever
government in the south was immense and the next election
should be fought under his leadership to retain power, he
told reporters.
PTI
