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BSY, rebels bury hatchet

CM says he will work with MLAs; co-ordination panel to be revamped
Last Updated 08 November 2009, 19:50 IST
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After steadfastly refusing to meet Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa in the past fortnight, rebel leader and Tourism Minister Janardhana Reddy met him for a brief while at the residence of senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj before all party leaders declared the crisis was over.

Swaraj, seen as close to the Reddy brothers, described the event as a “birthday gift” to party veteran L K Advani, claiming that there were no more misunderstandings. “I am very happy to tell you that the issue has been resolved amicably. Some misunderstandings had cropped up but they have been resolved after a few meetings. Both (the chief minister and dissidents) will work like brothers and serve the people of Karnataka. We apologise to the people of Karnataka for this crisis during times of flood.”

 Janardhan Reddy said: “We have listened to our mother (Sushma Swaraj). As per her directive, we have decided to put an end to the crisis. The BJP will complete its five-year term in the State and we will work jointly with the chief minister for the welfare of the Karnataka.”

Speaking at an impromptu press meet later, Yeddyurappa said the issues that led to the crisis would be sorted out through discussions “stage by stage.” A meeting of the BJP Legislature Party will be held in two to three days. It will be attended by central leaders of the party. At that time, some of the issues will be deliberated upon and decisions taken.

Indicating that he would change his style of functioning, which was frowned upon by the rebels, Yeddyurappa repeatedly stressed that he would take all MLAs into confidence to ensure misunderstandings did not recur.

Special effort

 In a statement, he said: “I will make special effort to see that in the future there are no problems. The last few days have caused us a lot of pain. The crisis is of our own making and I am returning (to Bangalore) with the full support of the party and our leaders. From Monday, my government will fully dedicate itself to development”.

Asked whether Rural Development Minister Shobha Karandlaje, whose resignation has been demanded by the dissidents, would quit the Cabinet, Yeddyurappa said: “All leaders will sit together and decide. We will discuss each issue one by one and decide.”

The co-ordination committee will be revamped after discussions.

 It is understood that the seven-member committee will be revamped to be headed by Swaraj and will include rebel leader Karunakara Reddy. The other members likely to be on the panel include Yeddyurappa, party MP  H N Ananth Kumar and State BJP president Sadananda Gowda. Two RSS leaders, Santosh and Satish, will also be on the committee.

Shettar as minister

Assembly Speaker Jagdish Shettar, who was projected by the dissidents as their choice for the chief minister’s, is tipped to become a minister as part of the compromise formula arrived at by the two camps.
Some of the Reddy brothers’ demands, relating to administrative issues of mining, and reinstating the officials transferred from Bellary districts, will be taken up through consultation. Other than these, the chief minister’s camp ruled out any other changes, including dropping or inducting into the Cabinet any MLA.

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(Published 08 November 2009, 11:16 IST)

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