16 MLAs go into a huddle

The MLAs — 11 BJP rebels and 5 Independents — went into a huddle till late on Friday at an undisclosed place in New Delhi, after getting relief from the apex court, which dismissed the Karnataka High Court verdict that upheld Assembly Speaker K G Bopaiah’s decision to disqualify them.

Though the MLAs refused to disclose their next move, sources close to them indicated that they were studying the pros and cons of a move aimed at ousting B S Yeddyurappa as chief minister.

While five Independent MLAs were openly opposing the CM’s leadership, the rest were not.
Instead of jeopardising their future by raking up old issues, the 11 BJP MLAs may remain in the BJP till their term ends,  source said.

“With  just two years left for the BJP government, these legislators are worried whether the party high command will accept their renewed demand for replacing Yeddyurappa, that too, after the BJP has won three seats in the by-poll under his leadership” sources said.

“There are also of the view that instead of demanding the removal of Yeddyurappa, it would better to have a better bargain with him for ministerial berth, sources said.

However, one of them openly declared his intentions.

“We are not against the BJP, we are still in the party. But we were against Yeddyurappa,” said Belur Gopalkrishna a rebel BJP legislator.

“Though late, justice has prevailed. We will convey the  injustice meted out to us to voters,” Venkataramanappa, an Independent legislator, said after the judgment.