Former chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa seems to be in a fix over his planned tour of drought-hit areas in the southern parts of the state. Mr Yeddyurappa, on his return from a tour of north Karnataka areas, held a meeting with his supporters where they discussed the current situation.
“The southern parts have been witnessing heavy rain and under such circumstances, visiting these places may not be fruitful. People may construe it otherwise, so we are undecided on whether to go ahead or not”, Mr Yeddyurappa’s supporters said. Former CM D.V. Sadananda Gowda and Deputy Chief Minister K.S. Eshwarappa have already started out on their tour on Tuesday and Mr Yeddyurappa was planning to follow suit. The Lingayat strongman’s idea was to put up a show of strength and send a message to the party that he was more popular than Mr Sadananda Gowda.
But, after seeing the public reaction to Mr Sadananda Gowda’s visits, Mr Yeddyurappa is in two minds on continuing with his schedule. If people oppose Mr Yeddyurappa’s visits too, it may be an embarassment for him”, sources explained. Speaking to reporters here, Mr Yeddyurappa said since the opposition did not bother, he took it upon himself to tour the drought-hit areas. “I took note of problems in north Karnataka. I will discuss with the government and we will redress their grievances”, he said.