Rajya Sabha MP and senior BJP leader Prabhakar Kore has emerged as a valuable troubleshooter whenever a crisis has hit the state BJP. A strong supporter of former CM B.S. Yeddyurappa, Mr Kore is not only leading teams of MPs and MLAs to exert pressure on the BJP high command in New Delhi to make BSY CM, he has also objected to the manner in which CM Sadananda Gowda has been favouring JD(S) supremo H.D. Deve Gowda. The Rajya Sabha MP from Belgaum feels that most MLAs and MPs of his party want Yeddyurappa whom he described as a ‘fighter’, back as CM and not Sadananda Gowda. In an exclusive interview with Deccan Chronicle, Kore spoke on the prevailing political crisis. Excerpts:
Q: Why is the BJP unable to find a solution to the leadership crisis?
A: Efforts are being made to divide the party on caste lines. I agree that caste plays a key role in every party. In the case of BJP, we have been supported by all castes and communities. It is unfortunate that some leaders are projecting BJP as a Lingayat party and unfairly blaming us that we are lobbying for Yeddyurappa as he is a Lingayat. The party high command knows the prevailing situation and will clear the air soon. It may take some time but we feel that Yeddyurappa will soon get the place he deserves.
Q: Why is Yeddyurappa desperate to become CM. Why can't he wait?
A: Who said Yeddyurappa is desperate? MLAs and MPs want him to quickly take over as CM. It is only to expedite the process that we met in a resort in Bengaluru. It was not Yeddyurappa who took MLAs to the resort, it was the other way round. The MLAs wanted to send a message that BSY has their support and should be given the CM's post.
Q: Don't you think that MLAs holding meetings in a resort goes against party interests?
A: The MLAs had to go to the resort to show they are ready to support BSY. This is not rebel activity. Many party MLAs feel CM Sadananda Gowda is getting closer to Deve Gowda. Legislators opposing this met at the resort only to convey to the party that they want a powerful leader and a fighter like BSY as CM again.
Q: If BSY is powerful and efficient, why does he have to depend on MLAs and MPs?
A: The process of making Yeddyurappa CM is getting delayed due to several reasons. If we have a CM like Yeddyurappa, it is possible to win the next election.
Q: But Sadananda Gowda said eight other cases are pending against BSY?
A: You are talking about cases of denotification. PILs can be filed against anyone. Due to escalating land prices in Bengaluru, cases of denotifications are on the rise. We have given statistics on the cases regarding denofication filed against various CMs to the high command.
Q: A section of MLAs led by minister Jarkiholi are against BSY.
A: Except for this group, BSY has the support of all MLAs. Mr Jarkiholi and his group of MLAs always kept a distance from Yeddyurappa ever since the latter became CM. They put pressure on CMs to get their personal work done. it is the Legislature Party which elects the CM. When MLAs are rallying behind BSY, he should be made CM. On one side, we have BSY who is a racing horse and is bound to stumble. When Sadananda Gowda does not want to race at all, the question of crossing obstacles does not arise.
Q: Why are Lingayats crucial for a BJP victory when in 2008, about 22 of the 34 per cent who voted for BJP were non-Lingayats?
A: A candidate is elected by various communities and not by one. Though we may have more Lingayat MLAs, it does not mean they won with only Lingayat voters . Who got Sadananda Gowda (a Vokkaliga) appointed as CM? You have to agree that it was BSY.