Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Jun 9: Assembly speaker Jagadish Shettar met minister and dissident leader of the BJP K S Eshwarappa, who has revolted against the chief minister, here on Monday June 8 and held talks with him for over three hours. The meeting gains significance in view of the reports that Jagadish Shettar, who had been promised of a ministerial berth after officiating for six months as speaker, is angry that this promise has not been met even after one year. The dissident leaders also are interested, if the rumours are to be believed, in making Shettar the chief minister, if possible. Shettar also enjoys patronage of Reddy brothers.

It is learnt, BJP general secretary Arun Jaitley, appointed recently as the in-charge of BJP affairs in the state, has postponed his visit to the state, earlier scheduled for Wednesday June 10. The chief minister had asked him to postpone his visit, promising the central leadership that he would personally sort out issues with the dissidents before the party’s central leadership gets involved with the task. As already reported, as a first step, he has invited Bellary MLA G Somashekhar Reddy for talks on Wednesday. There are chances that the MLA’s brothers Janardhan Reddy and Karunakar Reddy, who are cabinet ministers, may also take part in the meeting.

The main grouse of the dissident leaders and several other MLAs is against the autocratic and arrogant behaviour of the chief minister, who reportedly snubs his own party men without hesitation or reason. The dissident leaders want to come to a consensus on the demands to be put forth before Arun Jaitely and the meeting of the above leaders appears to be a prelude for the same. Shettar, who is the speaker presently, is compelled to remain neutral because of the demands of the position he holds. It is learnt, the dissident leaders want him to be their leader.

Sources said, Bagalkot MLA Charantimutt and several other disgruntled legislators, who feel sidelined in spite of being in the ruling party, have decided to meet on Tuesday June 9 and discuss about their future plan of action.

In the meanwhile, the chief minister heard the complaints of some of the MLAs of his party at his official residence on Monday June 8. He said the legislators have the option of meeting him and discussing development issues relating to their constituencies and that he will continue to hear their grievances as before.

In the meanwhile, reacting to reports that said that Rashtreeya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has been trying to solve the crisis in the state government, Kshetra Karyavaha of the RSS D S Ramakrishna in a statement, said that RSS has neither taken interest in the crisis nor has it given any suggestions or instructions either to the chief minister or the BJP leaders. He expressed the unhappiness of the RSS about the confusion being created by the media reports in the minds of the people about its role.

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