BJP contingent leaves for Delhi

Eshwarappa and other senior leaders are sore over Yeddyurappa’s decision to induct Shobha Karandlaje and V Somanna into the Cabinet. The impasse has been continuing for the last two days even with the intervention of the RSS leaders.

The chief minister is trying his best to woo the party leadership allow him to fill up the two vacant berths by inducting Karandlaje and Somanna.

However, Eshwarappa is of the view that the expansion itself should be put off till the elections to the Taluk and Zilla Panchayats are over. It is learnt that MLAs supporting and opposing the chief minister left for Delhi in separate groups. The issue of illegal mining will also figure in the talks.

Yeddyurappa, Eshwarappa, Ministers Suresh Kumar, Katta Subramanya Naidu and D V Sadananda Gowda, MP left together to Delhi. H N Ananath Kumar, MP and Minister Karunakara Reddy are expected to join the others in Delhi.

Meanwhile, speaking with mediapersons in Shimoga, BJP spokesperson Ayanur Manjunath said a delegation of Lok Sabha members of the party will meet President Pratibha Patil on Monday seeking consent for Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill, 2010.

Apprehending that the Congress-led government at the Centre may block the Bill, Ayanur said the government has an open mind on changes, if any, to be suggested by the President.

Ayanur said Governor H R Bhardwaj, acting as a true Congressman, has reserved the Bill for President’s consent even though it has been passed by both the Houses of the Legislature.

In case of non-concurrence by the President, the party, which enjoys majority in both Houses of State Legislature will again pursue the Bill, he said.

Reacting to JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda’s statements to accommodate unproductive cattle in Chief Minister’s residence and RSS headquarters Keshavakrupa, he said Deve Gowda has been practising ‘use and throw politics’ all along and has shunned his friends after fulfilling his needs.

He is advocating to shun unyielding cattle in a similar fashion, he commented.