JOIN USAddressing the media at his Race Course Road residence after being released from the Central Jail on bail, Yeddyurappa, however, stopped short of naming any party or individual for his predicament during the 24 days he spent in judicial custody.
“For the first time in my life, I had to celebrate Kannada Rajyotsava and Deepavali in jail. I will not name anybody, let them introspect on their own,” Yeddyurappa said, but refused to elaborate.
The BJP leader said he would like to tour the State to thank the people for supporting him during his days in jail. “Lakhs of people shed tears and prayed day and night for my release. I am indebted to them. Power is not permanent. We are remembered by the good work we do,” Yeddyurappa said.
Yeddyurappa plans to finalise the itinerary of his tour in a couple of days after discussing with his close aides. On Wednesday, the BJP satrap plans to visit Siddaganga Mutt in Tumkur and Siddalingeshwara temple in Yedyur. He is likely to cover 12 districts in the first phase of his tour.
Flanked by some of his loyalists, Yeddyurappa said he had full faith in the judiciary and would come out clean from the charges levelled against him.
The BJP leader refused to answer a question on whether he was keen on becoming the State party president. On whether he would like to occupy the post of chief minister again, Yeddyurappa said: “It is for the six crore people of the State to decide”.
To a query on whether he was planning to split the party, he said such allegations were being made against him for some time now.
Krishnaiah Setty
Former minister Krishnaiah Setty, after his release from jail, left for Tirupati to offer prayers. He said, because of God’s blessings, he could come out of prison. “I would not like to blame anyone for my plight. After visiting the temple, I will go to Malur to thank my people,” he said.