Friday passed but the BJP was still struggling to resolve its Karnataka crisis. It is now pinning hopes on Saturday. The day was eventful, though: Rebel MLAs submitted their resignations, an ultimatum was served on their leader Janardhan Reddy, the chief minister’s principal secretary was transferred and thehigh command reasserted that there was no question of a leadership change.
The last meeting of top leaders, including party president Rajnath Singh, at LK Advani’s residence did not result in any categorical statement. The party leadership had earlier given the impression the problem would be resolved by end of day.
Reddy has been given an ultimatum: fall in line or face action. He issued a statement at senior leader Venkaiah Naidu’s residence swearing his allegiance to the BJP and faith in its central leadership.
Yeddyurappa had told journalists he had the full backing of the high command and was positive that the meeting at Advani’s residence would end the crisis. But Reddy flew off to Hyderabad while Yeddyurappa was asked to stay on, raising doubts if an agreement had been reached.
State BJP president Sadananada Gowda said Reddy was sent to Hyderabad to convince his MLAs about the compromise formula.
Under the compromise formula, CM’s principal secretary VS Baligar had been shifted to another department, controversial rural development minister Shobha Karandlaje may be axed and assembly speaker Jagdish Shettar may be inducted into the cabinet. Also, a committee with representative from the central leadership may be constituted to go into the working of the government.
Talks may resume once Reddy returns, after two days. But the buzz in BJP circles is that the rift between the two rival factions — one led by the chief minister and the other by the Reddy brothers — was too deep to be resolved and a resolution would only be a precursor to another.
Sources said 53 BJP MLAs from Karnataka had faxed Reddy their resignation, to be given to speaker Jagadish Shettar. The rebel trio of G Karunakara Reddy, Janardhan Reddy and B Sriramulu have submitted their resignations to BJP chief Rajnath Singh.
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