The political crisis in Karnataka continues to simmer with the pro-Yediyurappa and those wanting to unseat him as Chief Minister refusing to walk mid-way for the reconciliation during their discussion on Thursday with the visiting BJP general secretary Arun Singh.
Singh, who is also Karnataka BJP incharge, interacted with both sides to elicit their views on a range of issues, including alleged interference in Ministries by Yediyurappa’s son Vijayendra who is also BJP State vice-chief, Covid-19 management, allocation of portfolios, and the larger issue of change of guard in the State.
According to sources, around 30 legislators from both sides met Singh on Thursday.
Sources said Social Welfare Minister B Sriramulu put forth his demand for the post of Deputy Chief Minister. The supporters of the mining baron were confident that the party will concede to his demand “in right time”.
Singh is understood to have not given audience to MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal one of the most vocal critics of the Chief Minister who had early this year alleged that BSY was “blackmailed” by a sleaze CD to allocate Cabinet portfolios. Yatnal was instead asked by Singh to meet him in the national Capital.
Another BJP leader and MLC H Vishwanath who met the BJP general secretary sought removal of the incumbent Chief Minister saying he was no longer fit to govern the State because of his “advance age.
“All Ministers are unhappy with the Yediyurappa ji Government,” he said.
Interestingly, he went public with his demand against the CM despite Singh’s advance directive that no one would air differences in public.
“Modi is constantly telling us that dynastic rule is dangerous. What is going on in Karnataka is the same thing. The Karnataka BJP has forgotten Modi. I told him public opinion about the government is becoming negative,” he said.
Vishwanath also alleged “continuous interference and corruption” by the Yediyurappa family in the State Government and administration.
Vishwanath, formerly from the JD(S), was among the 18 MLAs whose crossing over to the BJP amidst month-long political drama had led to the exit of Janata Dal Secular-Congress Government and facilitated BJP’s return to power in Karnataka in 2019.
Another anti-BSY leader Tourism Minister CP Yogeeshwar also met Singh. Yogeeshwar, a Congress turncoat, had recently visited Delhi to demand ouster of the CM.
On the other hand, Gokak BJP MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi said it is impossible to replace Yediyurappa and he would complete his remaining tenure as the CM.
Singh will continue his interaction with Karnataka leaders on Friday before returning to Delhi where he would submit his report to the Central leaders.