Rural development and panchayat raj minister Jagadish Shettar has the daunting task of mustering the support of a majority of legislators in order to replace Chief Minister D. V. Sadananda Gowda as the key leader backing him, former chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, has made it clear that he would only be able to ensure the votes of his camp-followers.
Sources in the state unit of BJP said Mr Yeddyurappa reportedly told Mr Shettar that he would not be able to ensure a smooth-sail as he did for Mr Sadananda Gowda in August 2011. Besides, it would be entirely up to Mr Shettar to convince senior central leaders on the need for a change in leadership, and that he should be given an opportunity to occupy the top position. Mr Shetttar got the green signal from senior leaders recently, reviving hectic activities in the camp of Mr Yeddyurappa.
The sources told Deccan Chronicle that on his return from New Delhi, Mr Yeddyurappa reportedly held two rounds of talks with Mr Shettar. During these meetings, Mr Yeddyurappa told Mr Shettar that he would be able to muster the support of 50-55 legislators provided home minister R Ashok and municipal administration minister Balachandra Jarkihole agree to chip in with their supporters. Though Mr Ashoka assured to give it a thought, Mr Jarkihole was non-committal.
The sources said Mr Yeddyurappa also told him that it would be an uphill task to secure the support of a host of others including central leaders, general secretary H N Ananth Kumar, state unit president K S Eshwarappa and party organizing secretary Mr Santhosh as none agreed with him on the need for a change in leadership. Meanwhile, Mr Eshwarappa rushed to seek Mr Yeddyurappa’s support.
Despite such hectic activity in Mr Yeddyurappa’s camp, none was sure about the turn of events following the arrival of general secretary in-charge of Karnataka affairs, Mr Dharmendra Pradhan, on Thursday. Indications are that central leaders would not allow ministers and legislators to raise the issue of change of leadership during one-on-one meetings or a meeting of the legislature party, the sources added.