Narayana Swamy
Political Analyst
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore
Bangalore, Jul 30: Friday was one of the toughest days in the political history of BJP, as Karnataka chief minister B S Yeddyurappa remained defiant and refused to step down from his chair.
As the day progressed, Yeddyurappa supporters came out openly in support of their leader, while on the other hand, another group led by state BJP chief Eshwarappa started playing the number game, which clearly showed the differences in the party which has always claimed to be a 'party with a difference.'
But for the BJP high command, it has been a big headache as it has no choice now than to save its face at the national level, or save its hold on power in Karnataka!
On Monday August 1, before entering into the Parliament session, it has to get rid of Yeddyurappa from the post of Karnataka CM, and not only that, the BJP has to elect the new legislative leader too. In case they fail, they will have no moral right to fight corruption at the national level, and specially its ongoing campaign against the UPA's 2G scam will lose its fizz.
Political experts say that BJP had never looked back when it fired Uma Bharathi, Madan Lal Khurana, Kalyan Singh, Jaswant Singh and others when it felt these leaders (much senior leaders than Yeddyurappa) had crossed boundaries.
But why is it that when it comes to Yeddyurappa, the party is scared? Indeeed, for two reasons, one, because his is the first BJP government in South India, where it needs to expand its presence. If the BJP splits here, the future of BJP in South India is bleak. Secondly, it is the general feeling that Yeddyurappa is a powerful leader not only in terms of people's support, but also when it comes to money power. Now that the Reddys are attached to him like Fevicol, it's not so easy to get rid of Yeddyurappa.
Political pundits also feel that if Yeddyurappa continues to be adamant, BJP will have no option but to expel him from the party. This could create deep trouble for Yeddyurappa himself, as political and democratic instability will be created in the state, and in all possibilities, the state governor and the centre are just waiting for that to happen! If that happens, there is no chance of Yeddyurappa's survival in the hands of H R Bhardwaj, who himself is a senor advocate will use all his cards to send Yeddyurappa to jail on corruption charges, after imposing president rule in the state.
So, now it's up to the BJP central leadership to take the decision quickly, as it is already over 36 hours since the demand for resignation was formally made by the high command. If it goes beyond another 24 hours, then the BJP will surely lose its face at the national level, and its future will be in jeopardy, and only because of one man - Bookanakere Siddalingappa Yeddyurappa!
'Mined' Your Business!