Seizing the opportunity to strike a peace pact with beleagured former chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa on various issues plaguing the state unit, senior party leaders pulled off a minor coup of sorts when they persuaded him to sit across the table for talks on Saturday.
The former chief minister met with state unit chief K.S. Eshwarappa just 24 hours after the Supreme Court-appointed CEC submitted a report in the apex court recommending a CBI probe into the illegal mining case. This was preceded by discussions with rural development and panchayat raj minister Jagadish Shettar, water resources minister Basavaraj Bommai, public works minister C.M. Udasi and agriculture minister Umesh Katti at the party office here on Saturday.
The party leadership believes that following the CEC expected to deal a major blow, Mr Yeddyurappa has no option but to remain in the party. Sources in the state unit of BJP told Deccan Chronicle, “Things are moving in the right direction. Mr Yeddyurappa, though not holding any party position, will be part of all important decisions and will allow smooth running of the government and co-operate in the cabinet expansion exercise too.”
With Mr Yeddyurappa almost toning down his belligerent stand, the state unit now plans to marshall all its resources and focus on winning next year’s elections. The core committee leaders, including Mr Eshwarappa, have reportedly assured Mr Yeddyurappa that the state unit would back him during the prolonged legal battle. They also requested him not to criticize the party and senior central leaders at conventions hosted by his supporters, but speak his mind at party meets.