Confusion over Karnataka CM's resignation

There seems to confusion in political circles in Bengaluru about Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa's resignation. There are two contrasting reports coming out the Karnataka chief minister's residence.  While some reports say that the chief minister has already sent his resignation to the high command at 2 pm on Thursday, others say claim that Yeddyurappa has not quit as yet.

The question being asked is, why should Yeddyurappa resign without his conditions being accepted by the party high command. All through the day the chief minister said that he has a set of conditions and they have to be accepted. The most important thing he sought is that he should have a say in the selection of the next leader of Karnataka.

Yeddyurappa has said that he wants either Sadananda Gowda, Dr V S Acharya or Shobha Karandlage to be the chief minister of Karnataka. He also seeks an assignment in the Centre or at least be made the state party president, and has also sought some important portfolios for his close associates.

The chief minister said that he would not accept any other CM. Yeddyurappa said that he would want an internal committee of the Bharatiya Janata Party to probe the illegal mining report charges against him.

Yeddyurappa appears to have played out this drama intentionally so that he can increase his bargaining capacity with the high command.

With regard to the issue of leadership there is a division in the BJP itself. The question many are is asking whether BJP leaders Arun Jatiley and Rajnath Singh will please Yeddyurappa or would they abide by L K Advani, who said that Ananth Kumar should be the next chief minister of Karnataka.

However, Ananth Kumar is aware of the rebellion from the Yeddyurappa faction and hence is backing rural development minister Jagadish Shettar. Shettar according to sources has already conveyed to the high command that he is ready to take up the responsibility.

This drama is expected to play out till late in the night and also on Friday until BJP leaders from Delhi land in Karnataka. The other contentious issue is with regard to the Reddy brothers who have been named in the mining report. The high command will also have to take a decision on them.