Jaitley meets Governor in conciliation bid

Conveys to Bhardwaj CMs wish to sort out differences

Jaitley, who been asked by the BJP central leadership to devote special attention to the party’s Karnataka affairs, is said to have extended an olive branch to Bhardwaj by conveying Chief Minister Yeddyurappa's desire for a rapprochement with the incumbent of the Raj Bhavan.

The meeting between Jaitley and Bhardwaj comes a day before Yeddyurappa's appointment with the constitutional head. Yeddyurappa will extend a formal invitation to the Governor on Friday to address the joint session of the legislature on January 6.
The Governor and the chief minister have been at loggerheads with the former taking exception to the latter for writing letters demanding action on land scams and illegal mining. Yeddyurappa had even stated that he would complain to the President on the Governor's style of functioning.

Jaitley calling on the Governor comes close on the heels of a few advocates submitting a private complaint to Bhardwaj seeking his sanction to prosecute Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, his two sons and some of  his Cabinet colleagues under Prevention of Corruption Act. The Congress on Tuesday had petitioned the Governor to sack the Bellary ministers who are facing allegations of Income Tax evasion.

At the BJP core committee meeting held later in the day, Jaitley is learnt to have discussed at length the pros and cons of the Supreme Court's hearing on disqualified MLAs. The Apex Court is scheduled to resume hearing of the case on January 4.
At the meeting attended by Yeddyurappa, K S Eshwarappa, Ananth Kumar, Jagadish Shettar, D V Sadananda Gowda, Jaitley is said to have advised party leaders not to embarrass Bhardwaj by making statements against him.

Speaking to reporters, Jaitley said core committee discussed the prevailing political situation and BJP's prospects in on-going panchayat elections.

He invited Opposition parties to utilise the legislature forum for a debate on various issues during the session. "The Opposition have made certain charges, the party is ready to debate on them", Jaitley said.

To a query on the outbursts by Bhardwaj against the state government, Jaitley said the BJP expects the Governor to function within the purview of the Constitution.
Jaitley said change of leadership was not discussed at the meeting. He also defended the Reddys and said the tax evasion charge had not been substantiated. Later in the day, Tourism Minister Janardhan Reddy is said to have met Jaitley at Bengaluru International Airport.

Strategies to face the Opposition during the legislature session scheduled to be held between January 6 and 20 were also discussed at the meeting party sources said.