Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, May 31: 'Operation Kamala' is making waves once again in the state political scenario. The man behind this is none other than Ramesh Jarkiholi, who was responsible mainly in bringing down the coalition government of Congress and JD (S) in the state.

Just one statement from Ramesh Jarkiholi has caused a stir among Congress leaders. However, only members who are close to Jarkiholi have voiced their differences. On Sunday May 31, signs of Operation Kamala getting under way were evident as Congress leader Timmananjaiah joined the BJP.

The position of chief minister B S Yediyurappa is in jeopardy with his own party people waiting in the wings to become CM. For the same reason, dissident MLAs in BJP had held a meeting against B S Yediyurappa in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. More than 15 dissident BJP MLAs had held a meeting under the leadership of senior MLA Basanagowda Patil Yatnal. The participants included influential leaders like Umesh Katti too.

Sources say that Jagadish Shettar had information about the meeting held by dissidents. The agenda of the meeting was bringing down B S Yediyurappa from the position of CM, it is alleged. Yatnal, Shettar and Katti are the three aspirants from BJP for the position of CM. However, Ramesh Jarkiholi, the kingpin of Belagavi has brought a twisted to the events by claiming that he is ready to conduct Operation Kamala if the high command gives him the nod.

Ramesh Jarkiholi, who is supporting CM Yediyurappa has said that he is in touch with more than 22 Congress MLAs. He has also claimed that he would get five Congress MLAs to resign in one week as a trial, if the BJP high command agrees to it. This has upset the plans of dissident BJP MLAs to bring down Yediyurappa from the CM's chair.

According to highly placed sources, the list of 22 Congress MLAs from 13 districts includes three from Belagavi, two from Bidar, one from Kolar, one from Davanagere, three from Vijayapura, two from Ballari, two from Raichur, one from Koppal, one from Chitradurga and one from Kalaburagi.

In addition to claiming the support of 22 Congress MLAs, Jarkiholi has also appealed Umesh Katti and Yatnal not to conduct any meeting of dissident BJP MLAs. He has also warned the dissident BJP MLAs that he will stand like a rock behind CM Yediyurappa.

Minister S T Somshekhar has expressed unhappiness over the statement of Ramesh Jarkiholi, terming the latter's behaviour 'childish'. However, minister Dr Sudhakar has affirmed Ramesh Jarkiholi's statement and said that what he said was true.

Meanwhile, leader of the opposition Siddaramaiah is fuming over Jarkiholi's statement. In his reply, Siddaramaiah said, "Ramesh Jarkiholi is lying in order to divert the attention of dissident BJP MLAs from their goal of removing B S Yediyurappa from CM's chair. He could not take anyone else except Kumathalli. Ramesh Jarkiholi is a big liar."

KPCC president D K Shivakumar also ridiculed Jarkiholi's claim and told scribes to ask Ugrappa, a good friend of Ramesh Jarkiholi, about what the reality was.

Dissident BJP MLAs to hold one more meeting on June 3

CM Yediyurappa has more trouble coming his way as the dissident BJP MLAs have decided to meet once again on June 3.

Just two days ago more than 15 BJP MLAs had gathered at the house of Umesh Katti, a dissident BJP MLA, known to be against Yediyurappa. During the dinner meet, there were reportedly talks about bringing down Yediyurappa. Many BJP MLAs are unhappy that Yediyurappa's son Vijayendra has been allegeding 'meddeling' in many important decisions and issues of the state government.

It is said that the dissident BJP MLAs have decided to keep the revolt going on till their demands of funds to develop their constituencies as well as their own position in the party are guaranteed. MLA Umesh Katti has also tightened his grip on the other hand. He is asking the state BJP leaders to provide Rajya Sabha ticket to his brother Ramesh Katti.

Basangowda Patil Yatnal is also pressurizing the CM to give funds to develop his constituency. Other MLAs are asking to be considered for various positions of coroporations and boards of the government.

Umesh Katti has reportedy expressed his rage against Yediyurappa, accusing the CM of insulting him and favouring Laxman Savadi for the post of deputy CM instead of him. Heated verbal argument had taken place between Umesh Katti and CM Yediyurappa regarding this issue, sources claimed.