Yeddy meets MLAs to mount pressure on high command

Bangalore: Intensifying his bid for a comeback, former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa today began meeting party MLAs to chalk out a plan to mount pressure on the BJP central leadership to give him a post. The luncheon meeting called by Yeddyurappa at his Race Course residence for a show of strength ahead of party President Nitin Gadkari’s expected arrival this evening, was attended by MLAs, MLCs and some ministers. [caption id=“attachment_222854” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“Sources in the Gowda camp said the Chief Minister wanted to persuade Yeddyurappa to drop his plans of show of strength. Screengrab/ibnlive”] [/caption] Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda, accompanied by state unit President KS Eswarappa called on Yeddyurappa briefly but both leaders made a quick exit. Sources in the Gowda camp said the Chief Minister wanted to persuade Yeddyurappa to drop his plans of show of strength, but it went in vain. However, Eswarappa told reporters that the troubles faced by BJP would end in about two or three days. Admitting there are differences among leaders, he said Gadkari would iron them out at the ‘Chintan Mantan Baitak’, a brainstorming session called by BJP tomorrow at a private resort on the outskirts of the city. “The party high command will take a decision on the leadership change issue”, he said. Meanwhile, Rural Development Minister Jagadish Shettar, who was defeated by Yeddyurappa camp in the election for the BJP legislature party leader post in August last year and is now in the anti-Gowda camp, has identified himself with Yeddyurappa. Shettar said, “Yeddyurappa has called a meeting over lunch to discuss the political situation. I don’t know the agenda, whether it includes leadership change. I am attending it.” PTI