Even as the handing over of the baton to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has enthused supporters of BS Yeddyurappa in the Karnataka BJP as also those outside, the former Chief Minister and KJP president felt that he can’t imagine BJP without lK Advani and that he was hopeful that the party leaders will convince him in taking back his resignation.
“I am surprised at his decision. It is very unfortunate. I feel senior BJP leaders must convince him. A man of his stature, who built the party and is a stalwart, should not have taken such a decision. I have got hundred per cent hopes that the BJP leaders will convince him,” Yeddyurappa told The Pioneer. Incidentally, it was Advani whose strong views on Yeddyurappa’s continuation in office despite charges of corruption was one of the reasons for the former Chief Minister to step down.
Yeddyurappa is considered close to Modi. Modi’s elevation as campaign committee chairman has raised hopes among the lingayat strongman’s followers that a decision to bring him back into the BJP fold to fight the next general elections could be taken. They were hoping that Goa conclave of the party would discuss Yeddyurappa issue but were disappointed that it was not taken up. Yeddyurappa, though, has gone on record saying he would never return to the BJP.
Yeddyurappa’s supporters are now thus in a wait-and-watch mode. There were some open discussions in the party forum and party spokesperson and MlC G Madhusudana was vocal in demanding a call back of Yeddyurappa to the party fold. Madhusudana was warned by the State party leadership in this regard.