Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda who has been working overtime to prepare his maiden budget, seems to have decided not to get bogged down by the ongoing campaign by the Yeddyurappa camp to oust him from the CM’s post. Sources close to the CM told this newspaper that Mr Sadananda Gowda had told party MLAs who had expressed anxiety about the ongoing developments that he would to put in his papers only if the party top brass and the RSS asked him to do so. He has made it clear to them that he will not resign just because Mr Yeddyurappa asks for it.

“If the party central leadership wants me to quit, I am ready to do so at any time. Nor do I plan to resort to groupism or pressure tactics just to remain in the saddle. Organising a meeting of legislators to make sure one remains in power, is akin to anti-party activity. I will not indulge in such activity”, the CM has reportedly told his close aides.

“I will not resign to help Mr Yeddyurappa. I have clearly told him that I will step down from the CM post the day he comes clean in the corruption cases he is facing. Irrespective of what happens, I have decided to concentrate on the preparation of the budget and ensure the party’s victory in the Udupi-Chikmagalur by-election”, the CM told party MLAs of coastal districts.