New Delhi, Jan. 23: On a day when the Karnataka Chief Minister, Mr B.S. Yeddyurappa, arrived in the national capital to rustle up the support of the BJP’s central leadership to take on the Governor, Mr H.R. Bhardwaj, there were strong indications that there may be a change of guard.
Speculation was rife that the change could happen as early as Monday night itself. This came despite the party spokesman, Mr Prakash Javdekar, asserting that there would be no change in leadership.
The BJP plans to raise the issue with the President, Ms Pratibha Patil, a move suggested by the senior leader, Mr Ram Jethmalani.
Meanwhile, despite denials from the BJP leadership, there was talk that Mr Yeddyurappa might be replaced by his trusted lieutenant and state BJP chief, Mr K.S. Eshwarappa.
By pitching for Mr Eshwarappa, a non-Lingayat, Mr Yeddyurappa hopes to hold on to his ground among the community.
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi on Sunday, Mr Yeddyurappa said: “I am ready for the political battle. I am confident of riding through this political crisis.”
Earlier, the beleaguered CM had a lengthy meeting with Mr Jethmalani to discuss the strategy to be adopted in contesting the Governor’s decision.
Mr Yeddyurappa also called on the senior BJP leader, Mr L.K. Advani, and explained the state of affairs in his state.
The Special Representative of the Karnataka government in New Delhi, Mr Dhanajaya Kumar, said: “We are going by the advice of our lawyers. They have suggested to us not to file any petition in the court over the governor's action”.
Taking potshots at the governor, Mr Yeddyurappa said Mr Bhardwaj had acted very hastily.
“He did not give me an opportunity to answer the charges. Where was the need to urgently grant permission,” he asked.