Yeddyurappa pushes the pedal on KJP

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Will former Karnataka chief minister B. S. Yeddyurappa revive Karnataka Janata Paksha (KJP) and opt for its bicycle symbol instead of launching a new party?

The leader, who has made up his mind to quit the BJP, dropped hints of breathing life into KJP by discussing the revival plan with its founder Padmanabha Prasanna Kumar here on Saturday. This party and its symbol were registered with the Election Commission of India in April 2011, according to sources.

Mr Kumar said, “I held fruitful discussions with Mr Yeddy­urappa. I am ready to work with him for revival of KJP. On October 26, we will hold a joint press conference. This will be followed by a mega meet at Davanagere on November 19”.

‘If you touch my men, govt will go’

Former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa, who has announced that he would quit the ruling party and launch a new party in December, warned on Saturday that he would be forced to pull down the government headed by Jagadish Shettar if the party initiated action against his supporters.

Speaking to media persons here, he charged that some of his partymen were trying to create confusion on the issue of his exit from the party. “Let them wait with patience till December. There is no question of me staying in this (BJP) party. There is no change in my decision on quitting the party,” he added.

Stating that he would part ways with BJP in December, he warned “if my followers who are in the ministry are troubled, then this government will not survive”.

The former chief minister said he would commence a statewide tour after quitting as Member of the Legislative Assembly in December. He met some of his supporters, including ministers, at his residence in Dollars Colony here on Saturday.

Such meetings would be resumed during Dasara festivities commencing on October 16. He would meet leaders of all districts and discuss strategy ahead of the launch of his party, according to sources close to the leader.

On Saturday, the leader held discussions with Padmanabha Prasanna Kumar, who floated a regional outfit called Karnataka Janata Paksha (KJP). He explored the possibility of reviving the party which was registered with the Election Commission of India (ECI) in April 2011. A formal announcement would be made at a massive rally scheduled to be held in Davanagere on November 19, the sources added.