Karnataka Cong leaders meet PM, seek Yeddyurappa's dismissal

However, the central leaders are not in favour of such a move which, they feel, could be used by the BJP to its advantage by projecting Yeddyurappa as a "martyr".

The delegation included KPCC president G Parameshwar and the Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Siddaramiah, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative council Motamma, senior Congress leader Oscar Fernandes and other state leaders.

"We requested Prime Minister to accept the Governor's report and impose President's rule in the state. It is a fit case to impose President's rule. The state is being ruined by Yeddyurappa's governnment," Siddaramiah told reporters.

He added the Prime Minister assured them that the Centre would take a decision after taking into consideration all the aspects related to the issue.

The leaders had yesterday met Home Minister P Chidambaram and submitted a memorandum in this regard. They will also be meeting other senior party leaders including Defence Minister A K Antony.

The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs last night discussed the report sent by the Karnataka Governor but deferred a decision on it till Sunday.

The Karnataka unit of the Congress has been consistent in demanding dismissal of the state government after the Supreme Court nullified the Karnataka High Court's order that disqualified 16 MLAs in the state assembly.

However, senior party leaders at the Centre feel the move will not benefit Congress and will instead turn advantageous for BJP.

"The best to make Yeddyurappa a martyr will be to dismiss his government. If it is done it will be a political blunder," a party leader speaking on the condition of anonymity said.

Another party leader also disapproved the manner in which Governor was handling the issue and giving the perception that he was in a hurry to remove the BJP government. "If Yeddyurappa has to go, he will fall on his own," he  said.