Concerned about the possibility of a split in the ruling party, senior central leaders of BJP have instructed the state unit to keep former chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa in good humour and involve him in party functions and the decision-making process.
Party president Nitin Gadkari has reportedly directed state unit chief K.S. Eshwarappa and organising secretary Santosh not to ignore the Lingayat strongman, but involve him in party activities and take him into confidence on important issues, sources in the state unit of BJP told this newspaper.
Besides, the central leaders have asked Mr Eshwarappa not to join issue with the former chief minister on the question of the latter quitting the party. All ministers too have been told keep quiet and not speak out against the leader. Their silence would help central leaders to open a dialogue with Mr Yeddyurappa and try to retain him in the party. On their part, leaders in New Delhi have decided to work on a strategy to placate him and ensure that he does not quit the party to float a new outfit. “Party president Nitin Gadkari has directed us not to speak against former chief minister. The party is hopeful that Mr Yeddyurappa will not quit. Our central leaders have assured us that he will not part ways with the party. Shortly, Mr Nitin Gadkari himself will hold talks with former chief minister regarding his demands”, said a senior leader.
On Monday, senior state unit leaders led by Mr Eshwarappa held a meeting in the party office where they discussed about a series of programmes scheduled to be launched ahead of next year’s elections to the Legislative Assembly. The recent outbursts of Mr Yeddyurappa against leaders in Delhi and preparations underway to launch a new party also figured in the meeting. They, however, refrained from making any harsh statements against the former chief minister. Sources in the party said a series of programmes, on the lines of a protest rally held by the youth wing in Hubli on October 20, would be held this month. Mr Yeddy-urappa would be invited to all these events.