Bangalore: A group of about 20 MLAs and
ministers today raised a banner of revolt against the BS Yeddyurappa-led BJP government in Karnataka in a fresh bout of dissidence.
Led by Excise Minister M P Renukacharya, the dissident
group comprises disgruntled legislators who either failed to
get ministerial berths or are unhappy with the recent Cabinet
recast or those eyeing key posts in boards and corporations.
Yeddyurappa was closeted with BJP`s state unit
president K S Eshwarappa, ministers loyal to him and also met
senior RSS functionaries and discussed steps to deal with the
situation.
The dissidents, who are set to be away in Tamil Nadu,
had switched-off their cell phones and remained incommunicado,
as desperate attempts were made to reach out to them.
Eshwarappa chose to put up a brave front, brushing
aside suggestions of dissident activities. "There is no
dissidence, it`s only rumour."
He, however, admitted that some legislators who did
not get ministerial berths are dissatisfied and discussions
would be held with them. The government was not facing
instability, Eshwarappa said.
Today`s developments on dissident activity came even
as the BJP government faced land scam allegations in recent
days as a spirited opposition -- the Congress and the JDS --
tried to corner Yeddyurappa and the Minister for Information
Technology, Biotechnology and Housing, Katta Subramanya Naidu.
Eshwarappa said an emergent cabinet meeting would be
held at 10 am tomorrow.
He also ruled out any move now against Naidu, facing
allegations relating to denotifying of land of Karnataka
Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) when he was
Industries Minister, saying action would be taken only if
charges were proved by court and he was named by Lokayukta.
Meanwhile, leaders of the JDS, under the leadership of
state unit president and former chief minister H D
Kumaraswamy, held a meeting in the backdrop of the dissident
activity in the BJP.
Talking to reporters separately, Leader of Opposition
in the Legislative Assembly and Congress leader Siddaramaiah
called Yeddyurappa a "liar" and "irresponsible" and likened
his Cabinet to "Ali Baba and 40 thieves", in the context of
land scam allegations against the government.
"If the chief minister has an iota of respect, he
should quit immediately," Siddaramaiah said.
PTI
