BANGALORE: Former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa’s revolt cast a shadow on CM D V Sadanand Gowda’s 59th birth day celebrations on Sunday.
While Gowda’s supporters were busy complementing him at his official residence Anugraha on Sunday, a plot to dislodge him was thickening in the backyard of Yeddyurappa’s residence, which is just 2 km away.
Not that Gowda was not aware of the developments, but he was confident to sail through by the backing of the party high command. “I hail from coastal area and I know how to tide over the current,” Gowda told reporters when asked about the efforts to oust him before the Budget session.
Besides celebrating his birthday, the CM was busy seeking the blessings of Shivakumara Swamy of Siddaganga Mutt and Balagangadharanatha Swamy of Adi Chunchanagiri Mutt.
Balaagangadharanatha Swamy backed the CM in the fight for “leadership”. Participating in a programme in Chikkaballapur district, the Swamiji said, “The CM is being targeted because he is a Vokkaliga. The other forces are trying to dethrone a Vokkaliga CM.”
Municipal Administration Minister Balachandra Jarakiholi also supported Gowda and said Gowda should present the Budget.
If situation demanded, he should dissolve the Assembly and seek fresh mandate, he added.
Jarakiholi also said around 20 MLAs were ready to resign if the fight for leadership continued in the BJP.