Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Nov 21: Even as BJP is mustering strength with the joining of some significant leaders of other parties into its fold, and nursing ambitions of coming back to power in Karnataka during the next election, it is facing a critical situation in the form of split between former chief minister, Yeddyurappa, and leader of the opposition in legislative council, K S Eshwarappa.

On Sunday November 20, these two leaders held separate meetings with their loyalists here to chalk out future course. While Yeddyurappa is making preparations for backward castes convention of the party scheduled in the city on December 3, Eshwarappa, who took part in the meeting of Rayanna Brigade conveners, gave final shape to the programme of administering oath to the Brigade conveners at Nandgad, Belagavi district, on December 3. Both the leaders appear to be poised for clash of egos, which might undermine BJP's chances.

These two leaders had, after initial differences, begun to take part in party forums together. This sudden split between them has taken even their close confidantes by surprise. Eshwarappa, who had promised to keep away from Rayanna Brigade, has been associating with the organization's activities in defiance of instruction issued by top leaders of the party. Instead of sacrificing individual aspirations for the sake of their party, these two leaders are apparently furthering their own interests.

Yeddyurappa has instructed the party activists to make the convention being held on December 3 a success. On the other hand, for the meeting of Rayanna Brigade, activists have been asked to bring 20 important activists from each of the 224 assembly constituencies. Some heads of Maths will deliver benedictory addresses there. It is gathered that the leaders will go back, hold local level meetings, and bring together over five lac people at the Brigade's convention being held at Nandgad on January 26.

Some sources say that the Brigade leaders are insistent that BJP has to project a devoted representative from backward castes or Dalit background as the next chief minister if it wants support from Rayanna Brigade. However, it is said that BJP leaders are not giving any favourable response or assurances relating to this demand.