The alarm bells have started ringing in the ruling BJP over the fate of former chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa who has been summoned by the Lokayukta police in a land denotification scam and in the case filed by Janata Dal(S) spokesperson Y.S.V. Datta pertaining to irregularities in the Upper Bhadra project.
With the court likely to decide on the bail pleas of Mr Yeddyurappa in a few days, state BJP leaders are worried over the fallout of the verdict.
The graft cases involving the ex-CM are something they could have done without at a time when the BJP is making the best of the campaign launched by Gandhian Anna Hazare to put the Congress-led UPA on the backfoot at the national level.
Party legislators identified with the BSY camp in the state BJP assert that Mr Yeddyurappa’s popularity will not be affected even if he is arrested while others feel the image is sure to take a beating.
Yeddyurappa’s die-hard supporters are expected to back him through thick and thin while fence-sitters are closely watching the developments and are likely to play it safe if they feel their association with the veteran leader would put them in an unsavoury position. Several MLAs, when contacted, refused to come on record while others treaded a cautious line.
Former minister and a staunch critic of Yeddyurappa, S.K. Bellubbi echoed the sentiments of the majority of MLAs saying, "The party’s image is sure to be hit if he is sent to prison. We might be in an embarrassing position. But till he is proved guilty, he continues to be our leader and we will stand by him. "
Party spokesperson C.T. Ravi preferred not be to categorical saying, "The law is common to all. Even in this case, the judge will decide the case based on its merits and demerits."
Reflecting on the general mood in the party on the legal tangle which has left most leaders uncomfortable, Mr Ravi said, "Everyone in the BJP is hoping Mr Yeddyurappa comes clean.
The party’s image is sure to get affected due to recent developments. Unlike jailed former minister Katta Subramanya Naidu who was never identified as the face of BJP, Yeddyurappa is a senior leader and has grown with the party. There will be a lot of heartburn if the court verdict goes against him.
Several legislators felt let down saying Yeddyurappa should have been more careful. "The party really can’t defend a leader who is facing corruption charges. We wish Yeddyurappa had been more careful."
Meanwhile, Yeddyurappa, who was in a city hospital, returned home on Tuesday afternoon.