BS Yeddyurappa keen on national politics after completing chief ministerial term

In a surprise announcement, Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurappa today made known his intention to take active part in national politics and serve as a Rajya Sabha member after completing his term.

"I will complete my remaining two-and-half years as chief minister working for the development of the state, install again a BJP government (after the next elections) and move towards the Centre. I am interested in serving as a member of Rajya Sabha," he told reporters here when asked about his future plans.

Yeddyurappa, who has battled crisis after crisis since installing the BJP's first ever government in the south, expressed confidence about completing his full term and said he would focus on the development of the state.

To a question on his ongoing war of words with the opposition, Yeddyurappa said he was not at all scared about their "false allegations" and was concentrating all his efforts on winning this month's panchayat elections.

Yeddyurappa has managed to survive after weathering two major rebellions - one spearheaded by mining magnates Reddy brothers last year and the other by 11 dissident party MLAs who withdrew support to his government along with five independents.

He overcame both the crises but was struck by another controversy over land denotifications and allotment to his family members that almost cost him his chair. The BJP central leadership came to his rescue after reportedly toying with the idea of removing him.

Yeddyurappa undertook a day-long election campaign in neighbouring Sorab taluk from his home town Shikaripur, a day ahead of the proposed JD(S) convention here.