Gowda: One-year wonder?

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A change of leadership in Karnataka is on the cards but not before the BJP resolves the deadlock over choosing a Presidential poll candidate.

Sources said loyalists of former CM B.S. Yeddyurappa have received a clear ‘assurance’ from the central leadership that their demand for replacing Chief Minister Sadananda Gowda will be considered, which has made them put their ‘oust Sadananda Gowda campaign’ on hold for a while. The campaign is likely to be stepped up after BJP leaders choose the NDA’s Presidential nominee. Interestingly, Mr Gowda will complete a year in office only in August first week.

According to sources close to RDPR minister Jagadish Shettar—who is being propped up by the BSY camp as an alternative to Sadananda Gowda—they may not precipitate matters for now following the assurance. Both Mr Yeddyurappa and Mr Shettar have received calls from the BJP top brass who have said they are concerned about the ‘activities’. Things are likely to come to a head in July first week when central leaders may direct the CM to convene a legislature party meeting.

Sources said party general secretary in charge of Karnataka, Dharmendra Pradhan had called Mr Shettar and assured him they had a positive approach to the idea of changing the CM to make sure the Lingayat community remains on their side. What could also come to Mr Shettar’s help is Mr Yeddyurappa ruling himself out of the race and even anointing Mr Shettar as his Lingayat successor in the BJP.

Meanwhile,Mr Yeddyurappa said the CM should convene the legislature party meet to discuss the drought. “Officers are not listening to the directives of ministers. We need a meet of the MLAs to discuss the drought”, he said.