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Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, whose government is facing a serious crisis following rebellion by a section of Bharatiya Janata Party MLAs, on Thursday sacked two more dissident ministers.
Talking to reporters in Bengaluru, Yeddyurappa said he had recommended to Governor H R Bharadwaj to drop minister for Municipal Administration Balachandra Jarakihole and Minister for Fisheries Anand Asnotikar from the inistry.
With this, the number of dissident ministers dropped from the ministry since Wednesday after 19 MLAs withdrew support to his government, has risen to six.
On Wednesday, the CM had axed four ministers. However, Yeddyurappa chose not to drop dissident Excise Minister M P Renukacharya, who is spearheading the dissident group.
Later, Yeddyurappa left for Kannur district in Kerala to offer prayers at the Rajarajeshwari temple.
BJP high command deputes Naidu for troubleshooting
In another development, the BJP high command has deputed senior leader Venkaiah Naidu to defuse the crisis and save the tottering first-ever BJP Government in the South.
The BJP government in the state has been rocked by the action of 19 MLAs -- 14 from BJP and five Independents -- who revolted against Yeddyurappa's leadership dissatisfied with the recent cabinet expansion and gave a letter to the Governor withdrawing support to him.
After the revolt, Yeddurappa had met Bharadwaj and told him he was ready to face the trial of strength on October 11, one day ahead of the deadline set by the Governor for the 29-month-old government.
Yeddyurappa has expressed confidence of proving the majority enjoyed by his government.
Vicky Nanjappa adds:
Senior Karnataka Cabinet Minister Dr V S Acharya told rediff.com that they were confident of tiding through the current crisis and will win the trust vote on October 11.
On being asked as to why the BJP in Karnataka faces a crisis every six months, Dr Acharya said that there is no particular reason for this.
Each one has their personal reasons and react in their own way. I cannot tell you the reason for it since I don't know, but these reasons join together and a crisis is created, he said.
Meanwhile, the rebel MLAs, who have now moved to Kochi from Chennai, appear not to be relenting. While their primary issue was more cabinet berths, the demand now is for a change in leadership.
The emissaries who have been sent to hold talks have come back saying that the rebels would relent if the leadership is changed.
During the course of the day more talks will be held with the rebels.
He is expected to put forth the views of the rebels before the party leadership in Karnataka and then work out a solution so that the two year old government in the state survives.
Dr Acharya, however, pointed out that the issue of a leadership change has not come up before them as yet. I don't think this issue may arise either, he added.
With PTI inputs