K'taka: B S Yeddyurappa likely to return to state politics as 'BJP president'

India

oi-Shreyas

Bengaluru, Dec 20: If all goes smoothly, a BJP leader, B S Yeddyurappa (BSY) in all likelihood set to make his way back to state politics as 'BJP president' of the state wing. The tall BJP leader from Karnataka and MP from Shimoga is currently managing the National Vice-President stint.

The reliable sources in the state BJP informed OneIndia that MLA aspirants and party grass root cadre are demanding the return of former Chief Minister, Yeddyurappa and hold state BJP mantle. Though there are other leaders too in the race, the voice of support for BSY is gathering steam among the party workers, it is learnt.

The tenure of the incumbent BJP president Pralhad Joshi would formally end in February 2016 while heat of the race is already getting intense.

It could be observed that BSY has time again maintained he would prefer any job the party offers, thus indicating his acceptance to yet again throw his hat in the state politics. However, a faction in the state RSS is unhappy over a fresh tide that is turning favorably towards BSY.

Dissatisfaction among a faction

A source claimed that National Joint General Secretary (Organisation), BJP, B L Santosh, popularly known as Santoshji has a different political dice game and expressed dissatisfaction over the development. The team (RSS and BJP) endorsing Santosh wants the national leadership, choose some other for the post.

The sources revealed that Santosh has been making full frontal efforts to elevate a young MP from Dakshina Kannada, Nalin Kumar Kateel to the BJP's plum post but with a current scenario, the realisation of this possibility appears bleak.

On the other hand, Law Minister, D V Sadananda Gowda has also expressed his desire to try his luck through press. In an interview to a Kannada daily, the union minister is quoted saying he aspires to rejoin state politics as he lost connectivity with the voters after he was given the law portfolio.

A relief for BSY

After the Supreme Court declined to intervene and lift a Karnataka High Court (HC) stay on BSY's prosecution in a case under prevention of corruption act, his chances have been bettered. However in one of the cases (illegal denotification case) filed in the Lokayukta, the latter breathed relief after HC on Friday, Dec 18 quashed the proceedings initiated against BSY by the Lokayukta Special Court.

As legal front coming to the aide of BSY, the grass root cadre in loud voice seeking the come back of their favorite leader, the sources said. The national leadership is also appears to be convinced with the demands as upcoming local body elections and Karnataka assembly elections are crucial for the BJP.

Importance of local leader

After BJP's successive debacle in Delhi and Bihar, the party has hit the position where it is required to change the political strategy relying more on local leaders rather Modi-Amit Shah combination. This factor is also working in favor of Yeddyurappa as he is the prominent BJP face in the state.

The staunch loyalist of BSY and MP from Udupi-Chikmagalur, Shobha Karandlaje in a telephonic conversation said the ball is in the Delhi and national leadership has to give assent for anyone to hold the post.

However she added that the "environment in the state is such that most of the workers want Yeddyurappa to become the party president."

OneIndia News