Shettar tries to enthuse confidence among BJP workers

Two days after BJP strong man B S Yeddyurappa quit the party, Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar today sought to downplay its impact and tried to boost morale of the partymen maintaining that the development would not have any effect on the party.

Addressing party workers along with party General Secretary H N Ananth Kumar, Shettar said BJP was "strong enough" in the state and there was no need to nurture apprehension over Yeddyurappa's exit.

"Despite some internal problems, BJP is going strong with the support of lakhs of party workers and there is no need to feel depressed," he said.

Shettar, whose government continued to reel under uncertain future in the wake of Yeddyurappa's exit, however exuded optimism of completing his term and also the party returning to power in the next year Assembly polls.

Addressing the party workers, Kumar said "A man who was with us for over 40 years has left the party without proper reason. He will repent soon for his act."

"This will not have any effect on the party. People of the state are politically conscious and they will repay suitably," Kumar said.

Karnataka unit BJP president and Deputy Chief Minister K S Eswarappa, Food Minister Devaraj were also present.