Narayana Swamy
Daijiworld Media Network
New Delhi, Mar 21: Udupi-Chikmaglur bypoll result might have been a setback to Bharatiya Janata Party, but without doubt, it will prove to be a bumper prize for 'fighter' BJP leader and former CM B S Yeddyurappa.
Sources close to BJP high command have informed that Yeddyurappa is likely to be reinstated as chief minister of Karnataka within the next 48 hours. This stand has come soon after the bypoll result of Udupi-Chikmaglur constituency, and also due to the pressure from RSS top leaders.
For D V Sadananda Gowda, who presented his first budget in the state assembly on Wednesday March 21, this could be his last budget for this assembly term, as he will have to step down once the formal announcement of Yeddyurappa as CM is made.
After Sadananda Gowda took over as CM, BJP lost two by-elections under his leadership. Earlier, Bellary by-election was won by Sriramulu as independent candidate, and now the Udupi bypoll. This could be the prime reason for the BJP high command to push DVS from CM's post
In a dramatic turnaround, Yeddyurappa who wanted to present his 'dream' budget in the state assembly for the fourth successive time, was all praises for Gowda's maiden budget, stating, "This is the best budget any chief minister could present, and perhaps, it is a model budget for entire state. I am fully satisfied with his budget."
When asked the reason for the bypoll debacle, he said no single leader can be blamed, but that it is a team effort. "We leaders, all of us, are responsible for this defeat. We will meet soon, and discuss where we went wrong, and will rectify the problems. In the next general assembly elections we will come back with a landslide victory," he said.
Meantime, an important meeting of senior BJP leaders is under way in New Delhi. Reinstating Yeddyurappa as next CM of Karnataka is the main agenda, it is said.
Sources also say that Sushma Swaraj and Advani are against reinstating Yeddyurappa, but Gadkari and Jaitley are reportedly supporting him.
'Musical Chairs'