BSY's absence from Assembly gives rise to speculations

Former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa stayed away from the Legislative Assembly session even on Friday, giving rise to speculation that he is sulking at the lukewarm response he has been receiving in the BJP ever since his re-entry.

Yeddyurappa and three other KJP legislators had joined the BJP at the party’s office in Bangalore on January 9. Yeddyurappa attended a couple of party meetings after that but has remained aloof since. He is said to have even declined to accept the party’s offer that he contest from the Shimoga Lok Sabha constituency.

Yeddyurappa was expecting that the party would celebrate his re-entry with much fanfare. But, that was not to be. BJP insiders said the party leaders are preoccupied with shortlisting candidates and preparing the ground for the Lok Sabha polls rather than focus on Yeddyurappa’s comeback. The party national leaders too were pre-occupied with preparations for the Lok Sabha polls.

On his part, Yeddyurappa, who has been staying in Shimoga for the last few days, will attend a function in Mangalore on Saturday. He is expected to arrive in Bangalore on Monday. He is exploring the possibility of contesting from the Shimoga Lok Sabha seat. Presently, his son Raghavendra represents the constituency.

Ashwath for B’lore North?

The BJP is contemplating fielding the sitting MLA from Malleswaram C N Ashwathnarayana from Bangalore North Lok Sabha constituency. The names of two senior party leaders R Ashoka and D V Sadananda Gowda were making the rounds for the same seat. At present, it is represented by D B Chandre Gowda, who is unlikely to be fielded again.

Party sources said Ashwathnarayana may emerge as the consensus candidate. Ashwathnarayana is learnt to have started seeking feedback from party workers in the constituency on his candidature.