Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore
Bangalore, Oct 15: In a surprising political development, former chief minister of Karnataka Kumaraswamy said that he is sad to hear about the arrest warrant issued against former chief minister Yeddyurappa, his former colleague during their 20-month coalition government.
Kumaraswamy, who was instrumental in campaigning on corruption issues against B S Yeddyurappa throughout the latter's three-year rule in the state, has suddenly taken a U-turn against his political rival, and softened his stand on Yeddyurappa.
Speaking to media in Bangalore, he blamed the Congress for the current political situation in the state. "I am not celebrating the news of arrest warrant to Yeddyurappa, though I was instrumental in fighting against his corruption. I feel sad today, because my fight against Yeddyurappa is political and not personal. I know that Congress is celebrating this news, but it should realise that nothing is permanent in politics. One day they might also face a similar situation," he stated in a sorrowful tone.
It may be mentioned here that Kumaraswamy too is facing charges along with his wife Anita Kumaraswamy in illegal mining case. Political circles opine that Kumaraswamy has softened his stand against Yeddyurappa and the BJP after being named in the illegal mining report by former Lokayukta Santosh Hegde.
On the other hand, Karnataka Congress chief Parameshwara has welcomed the arrest warrant and declared that this is the result of Congress' fight against corruption in Karnataka ,specially against Yeddyurappa and his colleagues. It is learnt that the Congress party is planning a celebration in Yeddyurappa's hometown Shimoga as soon as he is arrested.
Meanwhile, two DYSPs of Lokayukta Prasanna Raju and Abdul Wahab have reached Yeddyurappa's Race Course road house armed with the arrest warrant. The officials reached his residence at around 3 pm on Saturday, but found that Yeddyurappa was not home.
Yeddyurappa who skipped today's court proceedings due to back pain is expected to be admitted to hospital. Yeddyurappa's lawyer will move the high court to stop the arrest of B S Yeddyurappa. But sources told Daijiworld that Yeddyurappa must be arrested or surrender himself before the court before the bail plea is submitted to the high court.
If Yeddyurappa can manage to 'escape' from Lokayukta police unitl Monday, he can avoid judicial custody this weekend. On Monday, he could surrender and later on, on the same day, he might get a relief if bail is granted by the high court.