Infighting resurfaced in the ruling BJP with ministers loyal to former chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa condemning state unit president K.S. Eshwarappa for his derogatory remarks against legislators inducted into the party through ‘Operation Kamala.’
On Wednesday, agriculture minister Umesh Katti and housing minister V. Somanna launched a blistering attack against Mr Eshwarappa for his remarks against them. Speaking to media persons, the ministers took serious objection saying, “Our party president has made irresponsible statements against us. He has demonstrated his contempt for us. He should prove his statement about whom he paid money to save the BJP government.”
Mr Katti said, “I have contested seven elections in my political career, and won them because of my charisma. I joined the BJP following a request from former chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa that we should provide a stable government in Karnataka. I am answerable to my people. If people do not want me inside (the Legislative Assembly), they will throw me out in the elections.” Mr. Katti also demanded that Mr Eshwarappa make public the names of legislators who received money on joining the BJP. On his part, Mr Somanna said “the statement of our party president is not in good taste. I will ask him (Mr Eshwarappa) under what circumstances he made such remarks against party MLAs, who joined the party after the BJP was voted to power.” Meanwhile, Yeddyurappa camp felt that the allegations were targetted at supporters of the former CM.