Yeddyurappa’s show of strength losing steam

Just three days ago on his return from Mauritius, chief minister BS Yeddyurappa had flexed his muscles in a show of strength sending a message across to the party high command that he was, indeed — the boss. But within 48 hours, he was a worried man with his supporters dwindling by the hour.

On Monday, when chief minister BS Yeddyurappa called a meeting to discuss the impending crisis, it was almost full attendance from the ministers and his party legislators expressed solidarity. But two days later when the Lok Ayukta indicted BS Yeddyurappa and four other ministers on Wednesday, he was already facing the fear of desertions in his camp. If we look at the numbers, it was barely 35 — 10 ministers and 25 MLAs.

After the Lok Ayukta report, chief minister BS Yeddyurappa called a meeting of ministers and MLAs to discuss ‘the issue’ before making any decision.

Chief minister’s close aide, excise minister MP Renukacharya took the responsibility of mobilising the legislators to prove that Yeddyurappa was still the undisputed leader in the state BJP. The meeting was scheduled at the CM’s official residence at Race Course Road, but the turnout was disappointing.

Among the ministers, VS Acharya, Jagadish Shettar, Somanna, Murugesh Nirani and a few others were present. Among MLAs, only a few came to support Yeddyurappa — a clear indication that the wind is blowing against the chief minister. Perhaps sensing that the party high command wants Yeddyurappa to step down, most ministers and MLAs, though present in the city, did not turn up at the CM’s residence.

Outside the chief minister’s residence, the atmosphere was dull and unlike the usual. Inside too, the situation was not different. The CM, along with close associates, put up a brave face till 4.30pm. “Yeddyurappa is relaxed, he is sitting calm and cool,” said one of the MLAs present at the meeting.

But after 4.30pm, when the Lok Ayukta’s press conference was aired on TV channels, the chief minister tried to look unperturbed, but the others were visibly upset. After completion of press meet, he was a relieved man, because there was nothing new in the report.

R Ashoka, Govind Karjol and others who are identified with anti-BSY camp did not attend the meeting. Only chief minister’s close confidante Renukachayra, BP Harish, Jeevaraj, Belur Gopalakrishna, Chandrakanth Bellad, and Nandish Reddy were present.

The Reddy brothers came in late. Around 6.30pm Sriramulu and Karunakara Reddy arrived in a convoy of 10 SUVs. State BJP chief KS Eshwarappa was there in the meeting, but remained tight-lipped.

Jagadish Shettar and DV Sadananda Gowda, who are in the chief ministerial race, attended the meeting at the chief minister’s residence but left early.