BJP scouts for saffron stars to fight Congress titans

Bengaluru: While the induction of minister Laxman Savadi into the state cabinet and the prominence being given to minister Dr C.N. Ashwathnarayana may have surprised some, their inclusion in the Yediyurappa ministry seems to be part  of a well thought out plan by  the BJP and RSS.

Tired of  senior leaders like R. Ashok floundering on crucial  issues and taking a soft stance on his party's rivals, the BJP is reportedly keen on promoting new faces. "There is a strong rumour that Ashok is hand- in- glove with his opponents and has let the BJP down. So the party wants to try out new leaders," said a BJP insider.

Dr Ashwathnarayan appears to be the answer to the BJP's search for a Vokkaliga face. "He has proved his mettle as Malleswaram MLA and unlike Mr Ashok does not indulge in 'adjustment politics' with other party leaders of his community. Also he has shown commitment to party principles," they added.

With the Congress having a strong Vokkaliga leader in  Krishna Byre Gowda, the BJP  believes Dr Ashwathnarayana could be the perfect counter. "Also, when the JD (S) loses its base, we need to have strong  leaders to tap the Vokkaliga heartland. That's why we are grooming those like Dr Ashwathnarayana," said a BJP leader.  

As for Mr Savadi, a leader from north Karnataka, who is suspected to have lost the assembly elections due to internal sabotage, it is believed that he was inducted as he belongs to the same sub-caste, Ganiga, as  Yediyurappa.  "M.B. Patil is a Lingayat Congress leader, who aspires to become CM one day. The BJP wants to try out new leaders like  Savadi to take him on," said a  party insiders.