MYSORE/ DAVANAGERE/HAVERI: Confusion continues to haunt the rank and file in the state BJP with leaders speaking in different voices. CM D V Sadananda Gowda and former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa, though shared a dais in Davanagere, hardly looked at each other and exchanged greetings.
Yeddyurappa, in his speech ensured that he didn’t even once mention Gowda’s name while, the latter eulogised his political master’s contribution. Later, both addressed the media separately. Gowda expressed optimism that he would complete the remaining 15 months in office, while Yeddyurappa was more candid in admitting that he was in the race for the CM’s post. This, however, he said was “left to the discretion of the party high command. Even the continuation of Gowda in office is the high command’s wish”.
Responding to this, Gowda in Haveri said there was nothing wrong in Yeddyurappa aspiring to become a CM. “It is the dream of all MLAs to become ministers and Chief Minister. I am happy that Yeddyurappa is committed to the decision of the party high command,” he added.
In Davanagere, Yeddyurappa said there were no differences in the party. “We are all united, there may be minor problems within the family, we will sit together and iron out differences,” Yeddyurappa said while terming the rift in the party as a media creation.
Gowda, however, reiterated that there were minor glitches in the party and expressed confidence that they would be set right in the coming days. “All of us, including myself, Yeddyurappa and state BJP party president K S Eshwarappa would together tour the state to strengthen the party,” he said.
Eshwarappa in Mysore warned leaders against making embarrassing statements that had put the CM and the party leadership in a quandary. “Hereafter, none should make statements that embarrass the government, CM and the party,” he said, while threatening to take action. The statement was mainly aimed at silencing Yeddyurappa’s supporters like M P Renukacharya who is seeking the former CM’s reinstatement.