JOIN USV Dhananjay Kumar, former Union minister and a loyalist of BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa, is cosying up to the JD(S) to become the party’s candidate from Dakshina Kannada.
He met JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda here on Friday and the latter has apparently no reservations about fielding him.
Kumar, whom the BJP suspended for his outbursts against L K Advani, has not been able to return to the saffron party even though Yeddyurappa could make it. The latter tried to argue Kumar’s case but the BJP’s State leaders could not convince the central leadership to revoke his suspension.
The tough stand has also left other Yeddyurappa loyalists worrying about their political future. Sunil Vallyapure, M P Renukacharya, K Madal Virupakshappa and M D Lakshminarayana have also not been welcomed by the BJP despite their loyalty to Yeddyurappa.
It is learnt that Lakshminarayana is contemplating joining the Congress. Kumar’s meeting with Gowda is being seen as pressure tactics to get his suspension revoked and he made no bones about it.
“It was entirely my initiative to meet Gowda and seek the JD(S) ticket. He openly welcomed me to contest from Dakshina Kannada, my home district,” he said. But he added he could not take a unilateral decision on the matter. “We (former KJP leaders) will most probably meet on Sunday to decide our future. We have created a platform to pressure the BJP. But if there is no response, then, at least I, will take a decision.”
Kumar also complained that Yeddyurappa was busy campaigning and not accessible to them. When asked if he has a vote base other than the BJP’s in Dakshina Kannada, Kumar hoped the minorities would support him.