BJP’s musical chairs: DVS out, Shettar in

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As expected, Karnataka Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda handed in his resignation to BJP national president Nitin Gadkari on Sunday paving the way for a change of guard and the elevation of rural development minister Jagadish Shettar as the new chief minister — the third in four years. The BJP top brass is hoping that this will restore peace in the faction-ridden state unit and bring governance back on track.

The exit of Mr Gowda also means that former chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa has had the last laugh in the power struggle which had split the BJP into rival factions and made its government a laughing stock. By ensuring that a fellow Lingayat community leader is installed as CM, Mr Yeddyurappa — who gave up his dream of the CM’s post after a CBI probe was announced against him — has ensured that he will continue to be the numero uno in Karnataka politics and have his say when the party faces the 2013 Assembly polls.

Announcing the decision to replace Sadananda Gowda, Mr Gadkari said: “In view of the current political situation, Mr Gowda has handed over his resignation to me. In his tenure, he did good work and the performance of our government was very good. There were no complaints against him on grounds of corruption but keeping the party’s interest in mind, as a good party worker, he has resigned. Our party has decided to hand over the leadership to Jagadish Shettar”. Interestingly, when Mr Gadkari made the announcement about Mr Gowda’s resignation, the outgoing chief minister was not by his side.

* MLAs’ meet
Tomorrow: BJP legislature party is set to meet on Tuesday to formally elect RDPR minister Jagadish Shettar as its new leader. Sources said senior leaders from New Delhi will reach Bengaluru by Monday evening.

* DCM race wide open: A day after the BJP core committee cleared the decks for Mr Shettar’s elevation to the CM post, the race for Deputy Chief Minister has begun in right earnest. Sources said the party is hesitant to create the DCM post, as it would trigger repercussions in other BJP ruled states.

* Gowda to be party chief? Where will Sadananda Gowda go after he steps down is the question ringing loud in BJP circles. 50-55 MLAs supporting Mr Gowda, started a signature campaign demanding he be made party state president so that he can lead the BJP in the next election. Mr Gowda lent credence to these reports by pitching for Eshwarappa as deputy CM.