With almost a vertical split in the state BJP’s ranks, the “Oust Congress, Save Country,’’ campaign organised by the party’s youth wing failed to attract people. The absence of former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa was quite palpable.
It appeared that the BJP has already prepared to live without Yeddyurappa.
There was no trace of the Lingayat strongman at the venue.
The former chief minister’s photos were removed from posters, banners and flexes at the venue.
Barring Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar, not a single leader, including the Yeddyurappa’s camp follower Murgesh Nirani took Yeddyurappa’s name.
Nirani, instead chose to speak about the good works done by former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajapayee.
Other camp followers of Yeddyurappa - ministers Basavaraj Bommai and C M Udasi skipped the event.
A few strong followers of Yeddyurappa, however, made their presence felt by shouting slogans “stop BSY, save BJP,”’ stressing the importance of Yeddyurappa for the party if it wanted to return to power in the next Assembly polls.