Busy-bee Yeddyurappa woos all for Sadananda Gowda

Former Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa on Monday was a busy man as he used his persuasive skills to appeal to MLAs cutting across party lines to ensure victory of Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda in the forthcoming legislative council by-poll, to be held on December 22.

Yeddyurappa, sitting quietly in the assembly, did not participate in any debate and devoted his time in the assembly to meet as many MLAs as possible. He was seen engaged in an animated discussion with JD(S) MLA Balakrishna, apparently explaining the need to elect Sadananda Gowda unanimously.

Yeddyurappa spoke to all BJP MLAs from Bellary to convince them not to change their loyalties in the light of B Sriramulu’s rebellion.

Furthermore, Yeddyurappa renewed his appeal to Sriramulu to cooperate with the BJP in electing Gowda unopposed.

Yeddyurappa is laying emphasis on reminding JD(S) MLAs that the BJP agreed to elect HD Deve Gowda to the Rajya Sabha in 1996 when Gowda was catapulted to the prime minister’s post. He urged them to return the favour by electing Sadananda Gowda unopposed.

Excise minister MP Renukacharya played the supporting role for Yeddyurappa by approaching the ‘targeted’ MLAs one by one and requesting them to meet Yeddyurappa for a talk.

The dull proceedings in the assembly came to life when Sriramulu came and sat next to Sadananda Gowda.

Their whispers drew the attention of opposition leader Siddaramaiah.

“We have no objections if you are happy. We did not want you to fight, but you had a fight and you’re now patching up,” he said.

Flashing his trademark smile, Sadananda Gowda tried to play down the meeting. He said: “I need love and affection of all 224 members of the house. I am not jealous if somebody is happy. I will speak with the same love and affection even if you come and sit here with me.”

The exchange ended with Siddaramaiah admitting that he too liked Gowda’s friendly nature.

“But I oppose you politically and ideologically,” he said.