BANGALORE: Former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa and his successor D V Sadananda Gowda have locked horns over who should present the state Budget.
Yeddyurappa, who got a clean chit from the High Court in the illegal mining case which cost him the CM’s post, is in a hurry to return to power and present the Budget, the penultimate one of this government.
On the other hand, Gowda is eager to present his maiden Budget as he is also not sure about his continuance in the post following an aggressive campaign by the Yeddyurappa camp.
Armed with the High Court order, Yeddyurappa’s supporters have stepped up efforts seeking reinstatement of the beleaguered Lingayat leader as CM. They held a series of meetings on Thursday and decided to continue with their pressure tactics. They also believe the party high command has no reason to reject their demand.
“As promised, the party high command should give the CM’s post to Yeddyurappa,” said Ministers Murugesh Nirani and M P Renukacharya. Harihar MLA B P Harish even took the CM to task for his statement in Mumbai on Yeddyurappa. “Sadananda Gowda should take back his words and step down in favour of Yeddyurappa,” he demanded.
Asked about the quashing of the FIR against Yeddyurappa, Gowda had said there were other cases against him, hinting that he would not get any position.
“Gowda’s statement is nothing but an effort to deny Yeddyurappa power,” Harish charged.
On the other hand, Gowda refused to comment on the developments and said he would not speak on the leadership issue as directed by the party high command.
“I have been asked by the party high command not to make any statement on the leadership issue. I will abide by that. I will do whatever the party tells me,” he said.
About his statement, Gowda accused the media of misquoting him. “I did not criticise the former CM. In fact, I am happy about the judgment,” he added.