Bangalore: The BJP top brass on Friday failed to reach consensus over who should be the new Chief Minister of Karnataka after BS Yeddyurappa quits. Yeddyurappa supporters, however, kept the pressure building on the party high command to change its decision.
Pro-Yeddyurappa MLAs claimed the support of 73 MLAs and 15 MPs and also demanded three-four days’ time to arrive at a decision.
Sources close to Yeddyurappa said consultations are still on and a decision on the Chief Minister is likely to be announced on Saturday.
Pro-Yeddyurappa MLAs claim support of 73 MLAs and demand more time to reach a decision.
The BJP top brass, including contender Ananth Kumar, visited Yeddyurappa’s residence on Friday.
“Today all MPs have discussed the developments and have come to the conclusion that central leadership should not have removed Yeddyurappa only on the basis of Lokayukta report. MPs and majority of MLAs who are the chosen representatives have decided to appeal central leadership on their removal of Yeddyurappa,” said Chandre Gowda, BJP MP.
“Under the leadership of Chandre Gowda we have decided to convey central leadership that decision taken by high command is not appropriate,” said Prabhakar Kore, Rajya Sabha MP.
A day after Yeddyurappa was forced to give up the post, he wants that the man in the coveted seat is someone of his own choice.
Yeddyurappa has said that he will step down on July 31. Yeddyurappa’s rider is that he will only quit if he is given a say in choosing his successor.
Yeddyurappa’s son and Shimoga MP BY Raghavendra on Friday said that there is no rebellion in the BJP.”Entire party is united. there is no revolt. MLAs to express their views before party leaders today,” said BY Raghavendra.
Top BJP leaders Rajnath Singh and Arun Jaitley are in Bangalore to choose Yeddyurappa’s replacement.
“We will talk to everyone including BS Yeddyurappa. The candidate will be decided through consensus. We are not going to Bangalore with a pre-decided name in mind,” said Rajnath Singh.
Sources have told media that Jagdish Shettar, Sadanad Gowda and Suresh Kumar are the top contenders for the post. Shettar, Suresh Kumar, Easwarappa and Ananth Kumar will to meet outgoing Yeddyurappa soon, said sources.
Karnataka BJP legislative party meet cancelled
Karnataka BJP legislative party meet to be held on Friday has been cancelled and will now take place on Saturday. Meanwhile, Yeddyurappa is also planning to approach Karnataka High Court challenging the Lokayukta report.
Yeddyurappa is planning to approach Karnataka High Court challenging Lokayukta report. Says wants to clear his name.- CNN