Daijiworld Media Network – Dharwad (SP)

Dharwad, Apr 14: An unscheduled meeting between BJP state president, Eshwarappa, and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) south central regional Pracharak, Mangesh Bhende, in the presence of local MP, Prahlad Joshi, on Wednesday April 13, has fuelled speculations that stage is being set for the ouster of state Chief Minister (CM), B S Yeddyurappa. The meeting was held at ‘Keshava Kunj’, local headquarters of RSS. It is learnt that the dissidents are taking this as a do or die battle, and have decided never to rest until their efforts reach a logical end. It is gathered that they have the tacit support of MP, Anant Kumar.

For the meeting, Eshwarappa travelled in a private vehicle owned by Prahlad Joshi, after leaving his vehicle at the Travellers Bungalow. The three leaders discussed several issues for over two hours. It is learnt that the major issue that got discussed was working out a plan to oust the CM. The leaders are learnt to have considered the possibility of contacting legislators from north Karnataka, who are loyal to the CM, and convincing them about the need to shift their stance. Towards this end, Eshwarappa is learnt to have contacted some of them over phone. Local leaders however, claimed that the meeting just wanted to assert that the party is bigger than any particular individual.

Alerted by the activities, the pro-CM group too has been working to cement Yeddyurappa’s position. The dissidents, it is gathered, have decided not to be vocal for the present, till the conclusion of All India Veerashaiva Mahasaba convention being held at Suttur near Mysore. Yeddyurappa has repeatedly emerged as the undisputed leader of Lingayats so far. The convention will be on till April 18.

BJP national president, Nitin Gadkari, has clarified that he will act only if charges against the CM are proved. The dissidents are tongue-tied now, as stay has been granted against investigations against the CM. The dissidents do not have enough numbers with them as of now, to assert themselves with the high command.

When reporters contacted minister, S A Ramdas, in Mysore, he just said that Yeddyurappa happens to be the past and present leader. He added that the leader for tomorrow will be the one chosen by the central leadership, without elaborating further.

It will be interesting to see whether this will be another storm in the teacup as in the past, which have failed to nudge Yeddyurappa out of his position, or, will gain momentum in course of time, enough to unseat the CM.