Crisis in Karnataka govt refuses to die down

"In the interest of BJP and the workers in Karnataka, we need a very good leadership in the state. Whatever my stand is, I am not changing," G Janardhana Reddy, who is leading the oust Yeddyurappa campaign, told reporters after his meeting with senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj.

Observing that he had explained the position to senior party leaders including party President Rajnath Singh and others, Reddy said he was "one hundred per cent hopeful that the party will give a very good leadership in the interest of the state".

"This is totally a media plantation", Reddy said when asked to comment on the BJP President's remarks that Yeddyurappa would continue as Chief Minister.

Janardhana Reddy along with his brother G Karunakara Reddy and B Sreeramulu -- all ministers in the Yeddyurappa Cabinet -- are spearheading the campaign against the chief minister against his style of functioning.

"BJP should continue to rule not for five years. The party should come (to power) again and again. Government should not be for five years. It should continue for 50 years," Reddy said.

He said he was hopeful that the party leaders would take a "very good decision" in the interest of Karnataka.

Top leaders of the party including its president Rajnath Singh met at the residence of senior leader L K Advani for two hours last night to discuss the crisis confronting its only government in the South after Janardhana Reddy arrived here and conveyed the dissidents' demand.

Singh and Arun Jaitley voiced optimism that the crisis will be resolved soon.
BJP sources said the party was willing to discuss changes in the state Cabinet and transfer some officials as part of a compromise formula. This too did not satisfy the Reddy brothers' camp.