Sree-BSY axis: Son sounds the bugle

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A sudden meeting between former minister, B. Sreeramulu and Shimoga MP, B.Y. Raghavendra in Shikaripur set political circles buzzing on Monday.

Although Mr Raghavendra denied there was anything signficant about the meeting, Mr Sreeramulu fuelled speculation by showering former chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa with praise at the inauguration of a new community hall of the Valmiki samaj and the Uchchangi-Yellamma Temple in Nimbegondi village of Shikaripur taluk.

Recalling Mr Yeddyurappa's contribution to the overall development of Shimoga district and Shikaripur taluk in particular, he said the former Chief Minister had also fulfilled many of the demands of the Valmiki samaj. "He did a lot for the development of the community,” he contended.

Like emperor Veera Madakari Nayaka, who took the blessings of Goddess Uchchangi Devi before setting off for battle, he too had come to Shikaripur to take the blessings of the goddess before launching his political battle, Mr Sreeramulu added.

“I have started my political battle today. I will tour the whole state to build my BSR party. To begin with I plan to go on a padayatra from Basavakalyan in Bidar district to Bengaluru and then hold programmes in all districts, including Shimoga,” he revealed .

Speaking on the occasion Mr Raghavendra claimed that both his father and Mr Sreeramulu were victims of conspiracies. “People of the state are aware of the truth. Both these leaders must go hand in hand to tour the state,” he added. While the statement had many eyebrows rising, Mr Raghavendra later denied saying Mr Yeddyurappa and Mr Sreeramulu should tour together.

“I only meant that both these leaders who have lost their positions as a result of conspiracies need to prove their mettle by touring the state in their individual capacities”, he claimed, speaking to Deccan Chronicle.

Asked if he had discussed the state's politics with Mr Sreeramulu, he said, “No, he had come to participate in the function. Actually Mr Yeddyurappa was supposed to be here, but could not make it due to some other engagements. So I came instead. There is no need to give political colour to this meeting.”