Yeddy rules out dropping any minister

"No, that question does not arise at all," he told reporters at his residence on arrival from New Delhi where the party evolved an "amicable settlement" to end the two-week- long stalemate following the revolt in the state unit. He was replying to a question on the issue of dropping of ministers from his government.

Under the compromise worked out between the Chief Minister's camp and that of the dissident Reddy brothers, it was decided that while Yeddyurappa would continue to head the government, a coordination committee will oversee its affairs in the state. There was also an indication that a woman minister may be removed and the Speaker inducted into the Cabinet.

"You will see different Yeddyurappa from tomorrow", the Chief Minister said, expressing relief over the crisis had blown over. "Now I am extremely happy". Refusing to divulge details of the compromise formula, he said they would be clear within a few days. The chief minister, who arrived to a rousing welcome by his supporters at the airport, said he would be meeting Speaker Jagadeesh Shettar.

Shettar had been the rallying point of the rebel leaders who had demanded that he should replace Yeddyurappa. Shettar had earlier refused a ministerial berth offer when the crisis broke out. To a query, whether he would reinstate the officials transferred in Bellary, which triggered the revolt, Yeddyurappa said he was not willing to discuss the matter with the media.

"Reddy brothers and I shall meet and sort out the issue," he said. Yeddyurappa said that the Central leadership would be visiting the state shortly to discuss issues. Expressing concern over pending flood relief work, the Chief Minister said he would hold a meeting shortly to chalk out his tour to the flood-affected regions.