HUBLI: Thought BJP leaders have claimed that the RSS Convention is a non-political event, it is apparent that former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa, who had independently launched a state wide tour, had been advised to chant the unity mantra.
Soon after a parley with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and general secretary Suresh Joshi, B S Yeddyurappa seemed to have toned down the differences with his detractors in the party fold. Addressing media persons here, Yeddyurappa stated that there was no dissidence in the party and all the leaders were united and he will not allow any rift to enter the party.
Yeddyurappa also stated that all state leaders including party chief K S Eshwarappa, CM D V Sadananda Gowda, leaders Anant Kumar and Jagadish Shettar will jointly conduct a statewide tour immediately after the completion of the Assembly session on February 10.
He also said that the Parliament election is expected any moment now.
He will focus on strengthening the party to bring it back to power with a huge majority by winning in at least 150 seats in the Assembly and over 25 Parliament seats.
He also added that he was not longing for any position and will be work as an MLA and shoulder any responsibility given by the party.
Answering a query, he informed that CM D V Sadananda Gowda will present the budget in the session. Yeddyurappa further said that he will extend all support to the CM and help him present a people-friendly budget by sharing his expertise for the CM’s maidan budget for the year 2012-13.
Yeddyurappa also claimed to have been getting good support from the people in the same manner as he received during his tenure as the chief minister.
He further said that he had not discussed any political issues with RSS leader Mohan Bhagwat and only received his blessings.
Yeddyurappa refused to comment directly on his absence during the first two days of the convention and only stated that he participated in the convention as an active member of the Sangha. He affirmed that he was proud to be a swayamsevak adding that the RSS instilled the spirit of patriotism in him.
Earlier, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and secretary Suresh Joshi had an informal meeting with Yeddyurappa and his close confidantes Ministers C M Udasi, Basavaraj Bommai, Shobha Karandlaje and Murgesh Nirani.
Sources said Yeddyurappa was admonished by the leaders during the meet.
He was directed to exercise patience apart from refraining from involving in the blame game to keep the image of the party intact. Meeting was also attended by K S Eshwarappa and national general secretary Ananth Kumar.