BS Yeddyurappa, Ananth unite but for how long?

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Arch rivals B.S. Yeddyurappa and H.N. Ananth Kumar for once put aside their differences and put their heads together to discuss the candidates for the Council polls from the Assembly, graduates and teachers constituencies.

The two leaders who have been involved in a no holds barred battle for domination in the state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), came face-to-face during the party’s core committee meeting held at the BJP office in Malleswaram on Tuesday evening.

Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda, party state president K.S. Eshwarappa, rural development minister Jagadish Shettar, home minister R. Ashok and RSS representative Santosh too attended.

The two even exchanged pleasantries with Yeddyurappa asking the Bengaluru South Member of Parliament, “Haven’t you left for Delhi?” to which Mr Kumar replied, “I am going tomorrow.”

There were no fireworks as expected at the meeting with the leaders for once behaving like seasoned politicians although one source said there was no bonhomie with Mr Yeddyurappa submitting a list of his candidates and leaving almost immediately after that.

Mr Yeddyurappa reportedly insisted that Thontadarya and D.S. Veeraiah be renominated and B.J. Puttaswamy fielded from the Assembly constituency. The RSS reportedly opposed Mr Puttaswamy’s candidature.

Mr Kumar pitched for fielding Bengaluru city president, Subbanna.

The RSS has reportedly okayed the candidature of Bhanuprakash, Shimoga district unit president, Kuruba leader, Raghunath Malkapure and Gopinath Reddy.

The party is also toying with the idea of nominating cricketer Anil Kumble and actress Tara to the Upper House.

Mr Kumar and transport minister R. Ashok want deputy chairperson Vimala Gowda to be renominated.
The party is also considering Dr Mangala Sridhar for a Council seat, the sources added.

Sources said that when Mr Eshwarappa read out the names, Mr Yeddyurappa gave his opinion straightaway while Mr Kumar did not respond directly.

Mr Kumar reportedly sat quietly and seconded the opinions of Mr Ashok or other leaders who gave their opinions on his behalf.