Dissidence continues to haunt state BJP

Dec. 15: Even as an unconcerned Chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa and the BJP leadership continued to dismiss the dissidence brewing behind closed doors, a group of 18 BJP MLAs met for the second consecutive day behind closed doors, amid unconfirmed reports the former muzarai minister S.N. Krishnaiah Setty had offered to quit.
The BJP’s damage control remained focused on Krishnaiah Setty whom some reports said was persuaded to withdraw his resignation, sources said. Setty is said to be a valued confidante and close associate of the chief minister. When contacted, Mr Setty refused to acknowledge the news. He, however, did not deny the report.
But sources said that Setty had gone to the deputy speaker, K.G. Bopaiah’s office on Tuesday. Mr Bopaiah was not present. An agitated Mr Setty is said to have waited for him for quite some time. He was reportedly persuaded by a senior BJP leader to back out from giving his resignation papers. After which, Mr Setty left for Tirupati. Sources said that he has still not given up the idea of resigning from the assembly membership.
Unlike the November crisis, the present conspiracy had not been hatched by the Reddy brothers. They did not attend any meetings held in the past or the one held at a resort on Monday and Tuesday.
The dissidents who claimed that they formed a Third bloc, may have stepped out of the Reddy brothers’ shadow. They have cited the lack of development in their constituencies and disrespect shown by Chief Minister, as main reasons for their revolt. They also claim they have the support of at least 18 MLAs.
One of the leaders claimed that they (legislators) were upset with Bellary mine lords for not getting anything for them during the last crisis. So, they decided to move out of the shadow of Reddy brothers, sources said.