Karnataka crisis appears headed for resolution

The political crisis in Karnataka BJP seemed headed for a resolution with warring factions led by chief minister BS Yeddyurappa and the Reddy brothers saying an announcement is likely by this evening.

"I am going to meet Sushma Swaraj, Venkaiah Naidu, Ananth Kumar and Arun Jaitley, and we will discuss in detail about Karnataka politics. They told me yesterday that today the problem will be solved and tonight with my cabinet colleagues, I will go back to Bangalore," Yeddyurappa told reporters.

The chief minister was talking to the media after meeting senior party leader LK Advani at his residence here. He said he will tour the flood-affected areas of his state from tomorrow onwards.

When asked whether he will meet the Reddy brothers, who have raised a banner of revolt against him, Yedyurappa said, "If they are willing to meet me, I am ready to meet them."

The chief minister also said he was confident of completing his full term. "I will go by the advice and decision of my party leader," he said.

Meanwhile, dissident leader Janaradan Reddy and his associate Sriramulu also met Swaraj. They are likely to hold another round of meetings with her and other senior leaders.

Sources close to Reddy said that an announcement was likely by this evening on the crisis.

Meanwhile, Naidu said the party would not take any decision under pressure.

Hinting that the decision would be taken after consulting all senior leaders, he said, "In our party, the president presides and the team decides".