HUBLI: Much to the surprise of BJP leaders, former CM B S Yeddyurappa has decided not to campaign for the party in the March 18 Udupi- Chikmgalur by-election. Speaking to reporters on the occasion of his birthday here on Sunday, Yeddyurappa said he took the decision “in view of several cases pending against him.” He said CM D V Sadananda Gowda had said there were eight other cases still pending against him (Yeddyurappa) and party state president K S Eshwarappa had said his (Yeddyurappa’s) frequent visits to New Delhi might increase the revenue of flight operators. “In such a situation, my participation in the campaign will only cause embarrassment to them.
So I have decided to not campaign,” he said. However, he added all the ministers would be canvassing votes for the party candidate and expressed hope that the party would win the election. He said he would not accept the party president’s post in state even if the high command offered it to him.