Bangalore: Induct Ministers of My Choice or Quit - Yeddy to DVS

Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Feb 18: The state government led by BJP, which has been battling hard with bad times created by the surfacing of numerous scams, revolt within the party, dissidence, resignations of ministers, and death of a minister, has a new challenge on hand.

The new rift, which has arisen between former chief minister (CM) B S Yeddyurappa, and present incumbent D V Sadananda Gowda (DVS), has all the makings of a storm that may well rock the BJP boat, which is precariously poised now.

It is learnt that Yeddyurappa has been demanding a lion’s share in the ministry expansion for his loyalists, and even asked DVS to quit if he cannot accomodate them. He feels he can dictate terms as he was the one who propped up DVS for the post of the CM as a stop-gap arrangement before he steps back in. The recent mobile phone episode has cost the Yeddy camp dearly, as all the three ministers who stepped out, were said to be his loyalists.

But DVS, who has been emboldened by the backing he has received from the high command, has outrightly refused the overtures of his predecessor, informing Yeddyurappa in no uncertain terms that there is no need to interfere in the issue, as the party high command has been consulted in the matter, and their instructions have been obtained. This has incensed Yeddyurappa, who it is said, is seething with anger for the hostile treatment received at the hands of a person he believed to be his loyalist.

It is gathered that Yeddyurappa, angered by this unexpected reaction, told the CM firmly to either absorb the persons suggested by him into the cabinet and distribute the ministries as per his desire to them, or step down from his post. But DVS stood his ground reiterating that he will take instructions only from the party high command and not anyone else.

Yeddyurappa reacted strongly by holding a meeting of his supporters at his home on Friday evening, giving sleepless nights to DVS. Although only 11 legislators attended the meeting, the sway Yeddyurappa holds over his camp is quite strong. It is said that invitations were extended to legislators who had signed a letter of support in favour of Yedyurappa during the previous legislature session. It is gathered that staunch supporters of Yeddyurappa like ministers Renukacharya, C M Udasi, and Somanna, as well as former ministers, C C Patil and Laxman Savadi, and legislators, Karadi Sanganna, S R Vishwanath, Suresh Gowda, Chikkana Gowda, Nandish Reddy, and MLC, Lehar Singh, were the ones who took part in the meeting.

In the meanwhile, there was pressure on DVS not to take part in the convention of Veerashaivas (Panchamasali) being held on Saturday February 18 at Gokak, but the CM has decided to totally overlook the camp’s diktat, and take part in the function. It is said that Yeddyurappa is angry, as the organizers of this programme, in which heads of various Mutts will be participating, have not extended an invitation to him. In retaliation, he wants the CM and other ministers to stay away from this programme, but DVS is not listening.

It will be of interest to see whether the party high command will be able to either to cut Yeddyurappa to size by telling him not to meddle in government’s affairs, or appease him. Unless an early truce is arrived at between the two warring leaders, the state BJP is almost sure to face another decisive crisis, which it does not want to face at this critical moment, as a Lok Sabha bypoll is at hand and assembly elections are due next year.