Daijiworld Media Network – Dharwad (SP)

Dharwad, May 14: The state BJP leaders and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) stalwarts were closeted in a long-drawn discussion on the prevailing political situation, in a house in the city on Thursday May 13. The house was off-limits for media men.

Leaders like BJP state president, K S Eshwarappa, minister, Jagadish Shettar, MP, Prahlad Joshi, RSS leader, Mangesh Bhende, etc., took part in the discussions. MP, Anant Kumar, especially flew in from New Delhi in a special flight, to take part in the discussions.

The meeting continued from 12 pm to 3.30 pm on Thursday. No other persons except the leaders were allowed inside the house. It is learnt that the issue of cabinet reshuffle came in for discussion at the meeting. Reportedly, suggestions were mooted that in addition to three vacant posts, resignations of four more ministers should be obtained and seven persons should be inducted. Various names were considered by the leaders, it is said.

Chief Minister, B S Yeddyurappa, has been lobbying for inducting dropped minister, Shobha Karandlaje, into the ministry. The meeting is learnt to have held discussions about the desirability of giving her a ministry again.

Eshwarappa later admitted that the leaders had met for secret discussions. He however, felt that there is no need to disclose the details of discussions held there. “We have all along been RSS workers. Whenever we feel the need, we seek guidance from our mentors,” he said. Questioned about the need for Anant to come in a special flight, he said people have to come when they are needed for important discussions. Other leaders like Jagadish Shettar and Prahlad Joshi too refused to divulge details of the meeting.