Pressure tactics: Ramdas stops using official vehicle, escort

But, CM Yeddyurappa has another trouble brewing in his backyard. This time around, it is his Secretary - Parliamentary Affairs S A Ramdas. And, sources say, the MLA, who adorns the post equivalent to that of a cabinet minister, is upset with both CM and district incharge minister Shobha Karandlaje so much so that he has stopped using his official vehicle, with that the accompanying escort, and has stopped going to his office provided by the government in Vidyaranyapuram, in Mysore.

When Deccan Herald contacted Ramdas, he admitted that he was not using the facilities given to him by the government as a matter of ‘principle’. “I am not working to my maximum capacity since there is no opportunity for me to do so. Hence, it is not right on my part to use the facilities,” he said.

This may be a major blow to the already battered image of BJP in Mysore region.
The unresolved violence in Mysore, with law and order situation arising time and again has left the City battered. According to sources, Mysore which had many takers in the initial days with MLAs Shankarlingegowda and Ramdas vying for the post of District incharge minister. “Ramdas kept quiet initially and even helped CM take some crucial decisions regarding operation Kamala,” a BJP worker said.

BJP’s poor efforts
Sources say the violence in Mysore escalated as a result of poor efforts to ensure peace made by BJP. Udayagiri, Kyathamaranahalli, Shanti Nagar and surrounding areas where trouble is waiting to spill in to streets come under Narasimharaja constituency, represented by Congress MLA Tanveer Sait. 

Things reached the flashpoint when CM, who had apparently assured Ramdas that he would be given a ‘suitable’ post once the cabinet reshuffling was done and things settled down for a few months, just before BJP government went for a Sankalpa Utsava - celebrations to mark completion of one year in power.

“Though now the leader has been told something will be done after Dasara, he wants to have none of it,” a veteran RSS member, who is close to Ramdas, said.

“That CM ignored local leaders has caused unrest among the BJP workers,” said an activist.  Former BJP MP C H Vijayshankar, who was confident of emerging success also categorically admitted that ‘some’ aspects led to his debacle, though he had brought over Rs 200 crore to Mysore in terms of different projects related to better commuting facilities. “People were misled eventually. Our team effort could have been better,” said Vijayshankar.

DC to be transferred?
The tiff between the trio - CM Yeddyurappa, district incharge minister Shobha Karandlaje and Secretary Parliamentary Affairs Ramadas - may result in the transfer of Deputy Commissioner Manivannan.

“That Shobha is depending heavily on him for works than involving local leaders has contributed to this,” a BJP worker said.  Rumours are rife within BJP that Manivannan would be transferred to Bidar or any other place in North Karnataka. When asked about this, Manivannan said: “I am a government servant and would be glad to work anywhere I am being asked to.”