BS Yeddyurappa sets ball rolling for Rajya Sabha poll

Bengaluru: New BJP state president B.S. Yeddyurappa has decided to  convene a meeting with party senior leaders to select candidates for  the Legislative Council and Rajya Sabha polls.

Speaking to reporters after conducting a meeting with the party’s Udupi-Mangaluru office bearers at the party office here on Wednesday, Mr. Yeddyurappa said  one round of talks has already been held regarding selection of candidates.

The party can comfortably win one seat each in the Legislative Council and Rajya Sabha as per its strength in the Legislative Assembly. “We are yet to decide whether to field a  second candidate for the Council polls”, Mr Yeddyurappa said.  

Dismissing media reports about displeasure in the party over his style of functioning, Mr Yeddyurappa said a few people were unnecessarily creating confusion, but would not succeed.

With Council and Rajya Sabha polls on cards, Delhi summons CM, KPCC chief
Chief Minister Siddarmaiah and KPCC president Dr G. parameshwar have reportedly been summoned by party central leaders to New Delhi  on May 21 or May 26, not to discuss the cabinet reshuffle as reported in the media earlier, but to elicit their opinion on the selection of  candidates for the Legislative Council and Rajya Sabha polls.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, a senior leader said, "It was earlier speculated that Mr Siddaramaiah would be going to Delhi to discuss the reshuffle exercise, but now, it seems  central leaders are more interested in discussing candidates for the Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council polls. The Congress party is sure of winning two Rajya Sabha seats on its own and if it works out better, it might even win the third of the four vacant seats. In the Legislative Council, it will win four of the seven seats on its own."  

The source added that Mr Siddaramaiah might broach the topic about seeking   central leaders’ approval for the much delayed cabinet reshuffle but it looks like it might be brushed aside until the Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council poll process is completed.

"MLAs are an integral part of voting to elect party's nominees for both Upper Houses, therefore, the party may not take the risk of allowing any dissident activity at this juncture. Even if MLAs get a whiff of a cabinet expansion on the cards, it will allow aspirants as well as those who fear losing cabinet berths to create some trouble. Though the party can issue a whip to tame the rebels, no party would like to take that risk especially, when Rajya Sabha polls have already been declared. Therefore,  Congress leaders may not give in to the demand from the CM, for a reshuffle," the source explained.