Concerned about the possibility of a split in the party, senior central leaders of BJP have instructed the state unit to keep former CM B S Yeddyurappa in good humour and involve him in party functions and the decision-making process.
Party president Nitin Gadkari has reportedly directed state unit chief K.S.Eshwarappa and organizing secretary Santosh not to ignore the Lingayat strongman, but involve him in party activities and take him into confidence on important issues, sources in the state unit of BJP said.
Besides, the central leaders have asked Eshwarappa not to join issue with the former chief minister on the question of the latter quitting the party. All ministers too have been told keep quiet and not speak out against the leader.
Their silence would help central leaders to open a dialogue with Yeddyurappa and try to retain him in the party.
On their part, leaders in New Delhi have decided to work on a strategy to placate him and ensure that he does not quit the party to float a new outfit.
“Party president Nitin Gadkari has directed us not to speak against former Chief Minister. The party is hopeful that Yeddyurappa will not quit. Our central leaders have assured us that he will not part ways with the party. Shortly, Nitin Gadkari himself will hold talks with former CM regarding his demands”, said a leader.
On Monday, senior state unit leaders led by Eshwarappa held a meeting in the party office where they discussed about a series of programmes scheduled to be launched ahead of next year’s elections to the Legislative Assembly.
The recent outbursts of Yeddyurappa against leaders in Delhi and preparations underway to launch a new party also figured in the meeting. They, however, refrained from making any harsh statements against the former CM.
Sources said a series of programmes would be held this month. Yeddyurappa would be invited to all of them.