Former Karnataka chief minister Mr B S Yeddyurappa, who announced his decision to break away from the ruling BJP, has evidently chosen to launch his party on December 25, the birthday of former prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.
Sources close to Mr Yeddyurappa said though the leader has not decided on the name of his new outfit or with who to join hands, he has decided to launch the party on Christmas to coincide with Mr Vajpayee’s birthday.
At the moment, his supporters have suggested names such as Kannada Nadu and Karnataka Janata Party. Besides, options of joining hands with Samajwadi Party or JD(U) were also being explored. Mr Yeddyurappa, however, would take a decision on these issues only after Dasara. His party would certainly not be a part of the NDA, sources added.
Confirming that the former chief minister has commenced the initiate spade work for his party, the source said “It was the day when Mr Yeddyurappa was resting in Art of Living campus (a fortnight ago). He called up his close associates to confirm how many people would stand by him in case he quits the party. Later, he wanted to know how many people at the grass roots level would stand by him. So, he had called many district and taluk level functionaries to asses their support. After that, he took the decision to quit the party.’’
Mr Yeddyurappa, however, has asked his supporters, now holding important positions in the government, not to quit at this juncture.
“Mr Yeddyurappa wants ministers and chairpersons of boards and corporations to complete their term. All his supporters have been asked to take up the ground work in their respective districts. He is more interested in getting support at the grass roots level,’’ the sources added.