The discontent in Karnataka BJP does not seem to die down any soon as the Central leadership continues to see the political status quo in the State as the 'best option' even as 'Lingyat Mahasabha' also announces its full support to Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa.
BJP General Secretary Arun Singh who was on a three-day 'probing mission' to Karnataka and met with Anti-Yediyurappa faction leaders but failed to pacify them wanting removal of Yediyurappa.
Yediyurappa himself showed his political clout to the BJP's Karnataka-in-charge suggesting there is no substitute to his leadership in the State.
'Akhila Bharata Veerashiva Mahasabha', one of the most influential 'Lingyat' body, chaired by Shamanur Shivashankarappa who is the oldest 'Lingyat' Congress MLA and former Minister has extended its full support to the Chief Minister.
After three-days marathon meetings with Singh, the Chief Minister asserted that there was "no political crisis" in the State in the wake of dissidence activities seeking his ouster.
Yediyurappa also rubbished corruption allegations against his son, BJP vice-president BY Vijayendra.
“There’s no political crisis or confusion. What’s happening is that our media friends have developed a misunderstanding because of 1-2 people,” Yediyurappa told newspersons.
Senior BJP MLC AH Vishwanath and one of the most vocal critic of Yediyurappa has, however, levelled corruption allegations against Yediyurappa and his son citing the example of a tender worth Rs 20,000 crore in the water resources department.
He sought Yediyurappa’s ouster alleging no file in the government moved without kickbacks.
Vishwanath claimed that a majority of party leaders, who Singh met with , feel that leadership in state should be changed otherwise the party shall neither survive nor come back to power.
"They are not saying it openly. Yesterday more than 80 per cent who met him said that leadership (in State) must be changed otherwise party won't survive and we won't come back again (to power). Many leaders, even ministers, said this," said the BJP MLC.
State Tourism Minister CP Yogeeshwara, MLAs Basangouda Patil Yatnal and Arvind Bellad are also demanding change of leadership in Karnataka.
According to sources, given Yediyurappa's 'stature' and hold over 'Lingyat' community, displacement of him is not an immediate possibility.