JOIN USFormer chief minister B S Yeddyurappa on Tuesday said he intended to meet the MLAs supporting him on the eve of a meeting with BJP national president Nitin Gadkari in Bangalore on February 24 to discuss the political situation in the State.
He was speaking to mediapersons at the Hubli airport before leaving for Laxmeshwar in Gadag to participate in a religious programme organised at Mukthi Mandir there. He was accompanied by Housing Minister V Somanna, Excise Minister Renukacharya, former minister C C Patil, and MLC Mohan Limbikai.
When asked what sweet news he had brought from Kashi, Yeddyurappa said, “Running after power itself is the sweet news...” But he quickly added, “The thumping victory for the BJP in the coming Assembly elections.”
He said he had planned to meet Gadkari in New Delhi, but “as Gadkari is coming to Bangalore, I returned.”
He said a conspiracy was brewing in the State to divide the Veerashaiva leaders belonging to the BJP, but nothing could be achieved from it. “As the co-operation of all the leaders is necessary for the overall development of State, those involved in dividing the Veerashaiva leaders should stop their machinations,” he added.
The former chief minister said he would not bring the problem to the notice of the BJP national president. “Even if I don’t, Gadkari will come to know about it through the media,” he said.
Yeddyurappa clarified that the show of strength he was talking about was not against Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda, but against the JD(S) and the Congress.
JD(S) candidate for LS bypoll on Feb 28
JD(S) working president Kumaraswamy has said the party is considering the possibility of fielding JD(S) youth wing president Madhu Bangarappa as its candidate for the upcoming byelection to Udupi-Chikmagalur parliamentary seat.
“His (Madhu Bangarappa) name is also being considered. He enjoys good support in the region. However, a final decision on the candidate will be taken by February 28,” he told reporters on Tuesday.
He said Madhu will lead the Yuva Janata Dal’s Yuvachetana rally from February 22. The three-day rally will cover the districts of Bidar, Gulbarga, Raichur, Koppal and Bellary.