Eshwarappa to counsel Renuka in 'right' language

Koppal bypoll credit for BSY snowballs into row in BJP

Eshwarappa was reacting to Renukacharya’s statement that former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa was responsible for the party’s victory in the Koppal bypoll.

Speaking to reporters after taking part in the Chandika Yaga held at the Prasanna Ganapathi temple in the city, he said: “It’s an open secret that BJP’s victory in the bypoll was the outcome of collective and united leadership. However, Renukacharya had been giving credit only to Yeddyurappa. The legislators have discussed the issue with me. I will counsel him in the right language at the right time.”

Collective leadership

He said Yeddyurappa himself had stated that the party would face the bypoll under a collective leadership.

“Even the Central leaders, Nitin Gadkari and Dharmendra Pradhan, had directed the State leaders to face the byelection unitedly. This being the case, does Renukacharya’s statement carry any significance?” he said.

He said the Koppal victory had clearly indicated that backward classes, Kurubas and Lingayats were with the BJP and that it would have a bearing on the next Assembly polls.

In order to strengthen the party, divisional-level meets have been organised on October 8, 9 and 10 across the State. Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda, Yeddyurappa and other leaders would take part in the meetings. A meeting of 10,000 party workers would be held in November, the State party chief said.   
 
A closed chapter

Terming Yeddyurappa’s ‘Rath Yatra’ a closed chapter, he said Advani’s ‘Rath Yatra’ would begin in the State from Bangalore on October 30 and culminate the next day in Karwar.
Replying to a query, he said former minister Sriramulu would be convinced to withdraw his resignation to the post of MLA.

I am ready to explain, says Minister

Earlier, speaking with mediapersons in Bangalore on Friday, Excise Minister M P Renukacharya said he stood by his statement attributing Koppal byelection victory to former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa.

“This is not just my opinion. I have only voiced the sentiments of the people of Koppal. Further, Karadi Sanganna himself has given credit to Yeddyurappa for taking BJP on the victory path.”

The minister also wondered why he was being criticised for hailing Yeddyurappa. “What is wrong in giving him (Yeddyurappa) the credit? I am not taking an anti-party stand by doing so. Yes, the party is more important than an individual, but at the same time the image of a leader and his contribution to the party also become important. The BJP is certain to win electoral battles under the leadership of Yeddyurappa. I am ready to give an explanation to Eshwarappa,” the Excise Minister added.