Yeddyurappa, the Nitish of Karnataka?

MYSORE: With the simmering differences within the state BJP over leadership threatening to spiral out of control, pressure is mounting on Yeddyurappa to call the shots by either reviving the JD(U) in state or launch a new political outfit. Sources close to the former CM claim that Yeddyurappa, by leading such a party, can become another Nitish Kumar in the south on the governance front.It must be noted that ministers and legislators close to Yeddyurappa have aired views in public urging the BJP high command to reinstate him as the chief minister or give him a responsible position in the party; the party leadership, however, seems non-committal on the plea, setting the stage for Yeddyurappa’s show of strength. Also, his supporters have said that he may deal with the JD(U), as an extreme step.The move has also been deliberated in political circles as people are familiar with the JD(U)’s symbol, which has also found acceptance among the Veerashaivas and loyalists of former CMs Ramakrishna Hegde and J H Patel. However, in wooing Yeddyurappa, the JD(U) is not alone. Grapevine also has it that a few disgruntled state legislators keen on defecting to the Nationalist Congress Party may invite him to lead them in the state.A senior BJP leader pleading anonymity said that they would try to convince the party high command to back Yeddyurappa. “We would see whether the party respects the aspirations of the majority of leaders and party cadre and then proceed accordingly, as Yeddyurappa will be a deciding factor during elections.”The tussle for leadership has trickled down to the party grass-roots, with party workers asserting that there cannot be two leaders or two heads in a family, more so after Yeddyurappa being released on bail in all the six cases filed against him in various courts. The legislator from Shikaripur had convened a meeting of his supporters, including ministers, recently where he had requested them to abide by his decisions. Understandably, these developments have sent the message to the BJP that it cannot neglect the dominant Veerashaiva community, which has a sizeable political and religious backing.