BSY returns triumphant

Scores of BJP workers shouted slogans praising Yeddyurappa and waved party flags to the accompaniment of nadas- waram and an uniformed band set.

BJP legislator Nandeesh Reddy and Deputy Chairman of the State Planning Board Ramachandra Gowda greeted the Chief Minister on his arrival at the airport. He immediately left for his official residence on Race Course Road. The Chief Minister’s well-wishers, his Cabinet colleagues and legislators were there also present.

Yeddyurappa told reporters that the party central leadership was keen that he continued as chief minister and completed his full tenure. “They have not only told me to continue for the remaining two and a half years but also work towards winning 150 seats in the next Assembly elections,” he said. He denied that the party leadership had set any rider for his continuation in the post.

Maximum seats

Yeddyurappa said his party would work towards winning maximum seats in the forthcoming zilla and taluk panchayat elections and also focus on development programmes.

He declined to comment to a query on Lokayukta N Santosh Hegde expressing his displeasure over the state government’s decision to order a judicial probe into land scams. He also evaded questions on decision of the JD(S) not to cooperate with the Commission of Inquiry on land scams and also Tourism Minister Janardhana Reddy’s indirect attack against him in Bellary on Wednesday.

Yeddyurappa lashed out at the Opposition Congress and the JD(S) for making what he claimed false and baseless charges against him and his family members.

The Chief Minister said he would respond to the charges levelled by the Opposition in a befitting manner at an appropriate time. “I will expose all land scams in the State since 1995,” he said.