BANGALORE: The state BJP leaders have reportedly asked its central leadership to take a decision on former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa’s future in the party within a week.
The state leader led by chief minister Jagadish Shettar and state BJP president K S Eshwarappa are on “retian Yeddyurappa mission” and have said the they would abide by what ever decision high command takes on Yeddyurappa, during their meeting with top brass in New Delhi on Tuesday.
While Yeddyurappa has maintained that he would quit BJP and announce his regional party on December 10 at Haveri, ministers loyal to him have started talks with the party to convince the former CM to stay in BJP.
However, Lingayat strongman is insisting that he be given state unit president’s post and announce him as chief ministerial candidate of the party during assembly elections due next year.
Top posts — CM candidate and state BJP president – appears to be are ruled out for Yeddyurappa and the party may ask him accept campaign committee chairman’s post.
During the meeting with central leaders, Shettar and Eshwarappa reportedly told high command that Lingayat leader would put his candidate against BJP nominee in as many as 13-15 districts and is capable of getting 4,000-5,000 votes.
BJP MLAs who won by less margin last elections and who are expected to repeat the dismal performance in the coming elections, would find it difficult if Yeddyurappa party eat up 5,000 BJP votes.
“Easily Yeddyurappa would be damaging 25-30 BJP seats by putting his candidates,” sources said.
State BJP leaders who returned to Bangalore on Wednesday hoped that Yeddyurappa would be summoned very soon to the capital and hold talks with him to stay in the BJP.
When contacted Eshwarappa said the meting in Delhi was successful. (Agencies)