The BJP Central leadership is learnt to have pulled up the party’s State unit leaders for making statements on the possibilities of a government formation. The direction from the party High Command in New Delhi is clear, the BJP is not in the race to form an alternative government in the State.

 The Central leaders are said to have taken an exception to the Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa’s statement in Shimoga on Wednesday that the BJP was ready to form the government, if the JD(S) provided outside support. “Such type of statements will result in the party losing its political and moral leverage”, the central leaders conveyed to the State unit, sources said.

Getting the message from the High Command, Mr Yediyurappa on Thursday retracted his statement and demanded immediate dissolution of the Assembly to seek a fresh mandate. 

The sources added that the High Command has also sought a report on the events that took place on Monday, when some state unit leaders had opened a channel of talks with the JD(S).

The day ended with Mr H D Kumaraswamy tendering his resignation as chief minister and the Governor recommending President’s rule in the State.

The High Command is said to have expressed its displeasure against the action of the State leaders. “When the  highest decision making body of the party, the Central Parliamentary Board has resolved that there would be no more discussion with the JD(S) and the party should gear up for election, it needs to be followed”, the communication from Delhi said.

The State leaders on their part explained to the High Command that Congress was making hectic parleys to form the government with the support of the JD(S). 

The High Command advice is to sustain the betrayal campaign against the JD(S).