Even as former chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa readies to hold a meeting of MLAs in Bengaluru on Thursday, some BJP MLAs claimed on Wednesday they were under pressure from the party high command to attend it and pave the way for his comeback. They maintained that Chief Minister Sadananda Gowda had upset the party high command with his proximity to Janata Dal (S) supremo Deve Gowda and could be shown the door as a result.

“The meeting may have been called by Mr Yeddyurappa, but this is the first time that we are under pressure from the party high command to attend such a politically sensitive gathering. It is clear that Mr Yeddurappa is getting the support of party national president Nitin Gadkari to make a comeback,” said a BJP MLA. “We have been asked by the BJP high command to attend the meeting. Most MLAs who rallied behind Jagadish Shettar when he was in the race for the CM's post will attend it as will all Lingayat MLAs of the state. The meeting is vital and will finally decide the fate of Mr Yeddyurappa,” added a senior MLA of the party. Mr Yeddyurappa loyalists believe Thursday's meeting will prove his popularity with the Lingayat lobby. Sources claimed Mr Yeddyurappa could rally behind Mr Shettar should the MLAs present want him as chief minister.