The return of former chief minister and Karnataka Janata Party president B S Yeddyurappa to the BJP seems almost certain. The move to bring back the Lingayat strongman got a boost with a group of state leaders meeting Karnataka BJP president Prahlad Joshi to lobby on his behalf.
It is said that a meeting held here on Thursday was just a “formality” as the party high command is all set to put a stamp of approval to Yeddyurappa’s second innings in the BJP, much against the wishes of a section of leaders.
A few BJP leaders on condition of anonymity told Express that national leaders like Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley and former BJP national president Nitin Gadkari are batting for Yeddyurappa’s second innings in the BJP.
Once the proposal is sent from the state unit, it is likely to be approved without delay. However, Yeddyurappa’s re-entry is not going to be a smooth affair as senior leader L K Advani might resist it leading to further divisions in the rank and file at the national level. Gujarat Chief Minister and BJP campaign committee head Narendra Modi is said to be keen on Yeddyurappa’s return.
On the other hand, Yeddyurappa too is sending out feelers after a not-so-impressive performance in the Assembly polls.
“His wish to return to the BJP crystallised after Modi’s elevation,’’ a senior leader said.
Late in the evening, Yeddyurappa held a closed-door meeting with his confidants to discuss the pros and cons of joining the BJP.