Narayana Swamy
Political Analyst
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore
Bangalore/New Delhi, Jul 24: The Karnataka Lokayukta mining report issue seems to be now opening the doors for a few politicians to reach the higher echelons of politics in the state. As chief minister Yeddyurappa is still in Mauritius enjoying (?) his holiday with family, here in Bangalore and New Delhi hectic political activities are taking place. Questions are being raised over what next - Will Yeddy step down? If yes, who will be his successor? If he does not step down, what will be the next move by the opposition as well as by the 'unhappy' leaders within the party?
A reliable source from Yedduyrappy camp has revealed that top national BJP brasses are trying to convince Yeddyurappa to voluntarily step down from the CM's post so that BJP's drive against corruption at the national level is not corrupted. Former Himachal Pradesh chief minister and BJP national vice-president Shanta Kumar has expressed his unhappiness over Yeddyurappa, and his letter to Gadkari to remove Yeddy from his post has created a storm in the BJP camp. The letter by Shanta Kumar, who enjoys a high reputation within the party, carries much weight, a close BJP source says.
On the other hand, Yeddyurappa is reportedly willing to step down from his post, provided his trusted protege Shobha Karandlaje and power minister in the state cabinet is made the next chief minister.
This news has created shock waves in the state BJP camp as Reddys, Shettar and other prominent leaders are against Shobha. Even Yeddyurappa's sons and other family members are not in favour of this move.
On Sunday, Shobha Karandlaje who visited Chamundeshwari temple in Mysore spoke to a journalist and said she was not aware of any such move, but she stressed that Yeddyurappa is her leader, and because of his efforts South India could see the first BJP government. She expressed confidence in Yeddyurappa completing five years, and saw no hurdles before the government at the moment.
When a journalist asked if she was ready for the CM's post, she replied, "We'll see when the time comes."
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