In a dramatic U-turn, the nine ministers of the B S Yeddyurappa camp, who “resigned” on Friday, withdrew their resignations on Monday, saying they got a “positive response” from the BJP high command to their demand for leadership change in Karnataka.
“We have been given assurance that the high command would resolve the issue within three days, if we withdraw our resignations. So, we have decided to take this step,” said RDPR Minister Jagadish Shettar. On Sunday, the “rebels” had announced a July 5 ultimatum to meet their demand of replacing D V Sadananda Gowda with Shettar as CM.
According to sources, BJP national president Nitin Gadkari and Arun Jaitley persuaded Yeddyurappa and Shettar over phone on Sunday night to take back the resignations in view of the July 19 Presidential elections, in which they don’t want any cross-voting.
However, accusing Shettar of misleading the people, Gowda’s supporters said: “It was the tough talking by the central leadership that they would prefer elections than buckling under “pressure” and not any positive assurances that made them withdraw their resignations. The party is in no mood to replace Gowda.”
Meanwhile, all “rebel” ministers, Gowda, state BJP president K S Eshwarappa and a few ministers of their camp reached Delhi on Monday. Before attending the meeting of BJP-ruled CMs on the Presidential election, Gowda told Express: “I will accept any decision taken by the high command. I am a loyal soldier of the party.”
He added that “he would meet Gadkari on Tuesday to discuss the crisis”.
The BJP central leaders are likely to hold talks with both groups on Tuesday, and take a decision at the Parliamentary board meeting.
This time, the party is likely to take a firm decision as “rebellion” has become chronic in the state and the party cannot allow it, especially ahead of the Assembly polls.
Meanwhile, BJP state in-charge Dharmendra Pradhan said: “The ministers have taken back their resignations. An appropriate decision would be taken at an appropriate time. This has been conveyed to everyone.” Asked whether Gowda would continue in the chair after July 19, Pradhan said: “The crisis is over, and he continues to be the CM. I cannot comment on anything beyond this.”
Sources, however, did not rule out ‘other’ means to pacify Yeddyurappa, who is still facing various court cases.