BS Yeddyurappa skirts Shobha factor for now

Bengaluru: Sensing he could be under attack for his autocratic ways and the growing “interference” of his staunch loyalist and Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP,  Shobha Karandalje in party affairs, BJP state president, B.S.Yeddyurappa reportedly took the easy way out  and cancelled the core committee meeting scheduled for January 2.

The committee was expected to meet after the induction of veteran Congress leader, Srinivasa Prasad into the BJP  to discuss party organisational matters and  plan protest rallies against the state government, but  Mr. Yeddyurappa  is said to have to put it off allegedly at the prompting of Ms Karandalje.

Going by sources, he was aware of the belligerent mood of  some of the senior leaders, who were preparing to confront him over the increasing “ interference” by Ms Karandlaje in party affairs. The issue was raised in previous meetings, but was brushed off by the BJP chief, according to party insiders.

“This time, however, with the opposition leader in the Legislative Council, K.S. Eshwarappa, being in no mood to let things lie,  Mr. Yeddyurappa   deliberately prolonged the welcome given to Mr Srinivas Prasad to leave little time for the core committee meeting,” said a party leader, claiming that all senior leaders of the party were deliberately given five minutes each to speak at the event to stretch the programme as long as possible.
While the Congress leader was given a warm welcome by all leaders present, they left hurriedly afterwards, leaving little doubt about their disgruntlement with party affairs, claim sources .

Mr Eshwarappa who has formed Sangolli Rayanna brigade, is  in an aggressive mood as he has been  dropped from the drought study tour by Mr Yeddyurappa although  by convention both opposition leaders of the Assembly and Council are expected to be a part of it.