MLAs will attend assembly, Yeddyurappa assures BJP high command

Former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa, demanding his reinstatement to the top post, on Tuesday showed signs of a temporary truce with BJP central leadership when he agreed to attend the assembly along with his supporters to ensure the budget is passed smoothly in the party-ruled state.

BJP sources said Yeddyurappa has agreed to attend the on-going assembly session along with the 60-odd MLAs who are supporting him to help pass the annual budget without any hiccups.

"The budget has a certain sanctity and it should be maintained. Hence, Yeddyurappa has decided to attend the assembly till the budget is passed," a party leader close to Yeddyurappa said.

Yeddyurappa has been staying with the MLAs supporting him at a resort on the outskirts of Bangalore. He has claimed to have the support of 66 MLAs and 12 MPs from the state.

The DV Sadanand Gowda-led BJP government in Karnataka has a strength of 120 MLAs in the 224-member assembly.

Meanwhile, the central leadership of BJP is reportedly coming around to the possibility of reinstating Yeddyurappa as it does not want the recurring challenge from him to spoil the party's image and its prospects in state assembly elections due next year.

Yeddyurappa enjoys a great following among his Lingayat community which has stayed loyal to him and BJP. He is also credited with building up the party in Karnataka and any rebellion from him can cost BJP dearly.

However, a decision on his reinstatement is unlikely till Rajya Sabha polls are completed on March 30.