BJP issues showcause notices to Reddy brothers' loyalists

Showcause notices have been served on G Somashekara Reddy, brother of jailed former minister and mining baron G Janardhana Reddy, B Nagendra, H T Suresh Babu (all MLAs) and MLC Mruthyunjaya Jinaga who have thrown their weight behind Sreeramulu, a close associate of the Reddy brothers.

The legislators have been asked to reply to the notices within three days, failing which they would be expelled from the party's primary membership, State BJP President K S Eshwarappa told reporters here.

BJP leadership would also soon initiate action against two MPs, J Shantha, sister of Sreeramulu and Sanna Fakirappa, he said. The four legislators and two MPs have been actively campaigning for Sreeramulu for the November 30 bypoll.

Sreeramulu is contesting as an independent after resigning as a BJP MLA for being denied a ministerial berth in the wake of the Lokayukta report on illegal mining which has indicted him, the Reddy brothers and mining barons--Janardhan and Karunakara, as also former Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa.

Sreeramulu yesterday claimed he would wipe out the saffron party from Bellary district,the stronghold of Reddy brothers.

Chief Minister rpt Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda said in Bangalore that "several people have so far made such claims. There is no need to attach any importance to it".