Shimoga: Leadership Tussle in Govt Intensifies - I am in Race, says Eshwarappa

Shimoga, Jun 26 (PTI): The leadership tussle in the BJP Government intensified today with state unit President K S Eshwarappa throwing his hat in the ring, publicly acknowledging he is in the race to become Chief Minister.

"A few Ministers, legislators came to me and affectionately told me to get elected as Chief Minister. I won't deny that", Eshwarappa told reporters here. "Now, (D V) Sadananda Gowda is continuing as Chief Minister. Till this moment, I have not come across any discussion regarding the point of replacing him", Eshwarappa, who was identified with rival camp when Gowda was elected as Chief Minister last year, said.

"Legislators here and there feel that there will be leadership change and, so, some had come to meet me. I don't deny that. I will pay attention to what (the party) central leaders take decision", he said.

Asked if he is ready to take the post of Chief Minister, he tossed a counter-question to the reporter with a smile: "If you get an opportunity, will you not take it". With Yeddyurappa facing CBI inquiry in the illegal mining issue, his camp, gunning for Gowda, has been pushing for the candidature of Rural Development and Panchayatraj Minister Jagadish Shettar.

Several Yeddyurappa loyalists including Ministers C M Udasi, M P Renukacharya, Basavaraja Bommai and Murugesh Nirani, have been pressing in recent days to convene a legislator party meeting to discuss what they say legislators' grievances but in reality to challenge Gowda's leadership.

Gowda has shied away from calling such a meeting, saying he would do so only with the approval of the party's central leadership. Assembly elections in Karnataka are due in May next year.