Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Dec 8: BJP state president, Yeddyurappa, and leader of the opposition in legislative council, K S Eshwarappa, are heading for another round of confrontation, as Yeddyurappa is reportedly insistent that Eshwarappa should be punished for overlooking advice from party leaders and participating in the convention of backward classes at Nandgad in Belagavi district.

The bitterness between these two leaders hailing from Shivamogga might eventually damage the BJPs prospects, many leaders are afraid.

Yeddyurappa, who had been very vocal in his total opposition to the setting up of 'Rayanna Brigade' by Eshwarappa and some others, had often complained to the national leadership of the party about his aversion towards this organization. Eshwarappa however had been insisting that this entity is purely apolitical and aimed at the upliftment of backward classes. Eshwarappa also said that he would go ahead with participating in the programmes of the Brigade, even after Yeddyurappa served an ultimatum that party activists should desist from getting associated with Rayanna Brigade.

File photo

Various office bearers and leaders of backward classes have also been strongly backing Eshwarappa for his stand of ignoring Yeddyurappa's warnings. This has created new problems for Yeddyurappa, who wants to crush the Brigade at any cost, as per reports. He is livid at Eshwarappa for openly declaring that the latter is not afraid of notices, and therefore wants to teach a lesson to him by forcing the national leadership of the party to take disciplinary action against this veteran leader to establish his supremacy in the state affairs.

There are rumours that anti-Yeddyurappa factions in the state BJP have been clandestinely backing Eshwarappa. Many are angry that Yeddyurappa, who had promised to become more democratic, has been taking decisions on his own without taking others into confidence. Many are disgruntled at the fact that Yeddyurappa ignored claims of many and gave key positions in the party to his own associates.

High command of the party is in a fix now because of this confrontation. Chances of taking amy major action against Eshwarappa at this stage are bleak, it is being analyzed. Eshwarappa has a score to settle on the issue of appointment of district president for Shivamogga district without respecting his views and sentiments.

People close to Eshwarappa feel that Yeddyurappa is trying to undermine the latter's hold on the party, and are determined to block efforts being made by Yeddyurappa who is it said, is demanding expulsion of Eshwarppa for a few years from BJP.