Former Karnataka CM Yeddyurappa meets MLAs to mount pressure on high command

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Intensifying his bid for a comeback, former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa on Thursday 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 on Thursday night, attend chintan manthan on Friday and return to Delhi.