BENGALURU: Five months ago, former chief minister and BJP leader, B. S. Yeddyurappa broke down in tears, crying political vendetta in an open court while being questioned over receiving illegal donations in the kickback cases. On Wednesday, soon after the CBI court acquitted him and others, of all charges in the case, the Lingayat strongman took no time in announcing he was clean to the world through twitter, and to his senior leaders in New Delhi.
The jubilant Yeddyurapa tweeted: "Justice is done, I stand vindicated, Thanks to all well wishers, friends and supporters who stood with me in my tough times," quickly followed by another tweet, which read: "Satyameva Jayate."
The big smile of his with the trademark waving of victory symbol is back big time, as Mr Yeddyurappa reiterated his faith in the judiciary while reacting to the acquittal outside the court premises, saying that he is "extremely happy" and that "the false and baseless allegations which were politically motivated were finally dismissed by the court."
The verdict further cements the politically ambitious leader’s comeback plans after he was forced to step down in the wake of these charges, and comes as a huge shot in the arm for BSY.
BSY after verdict: Justice is done, I stand vindicated
Post the verdict, he remembered his mother whom he had lost in his early childhood and also expressed his gratitude to all the BJP workers and everyone who had faith in him.
Insofar as the court order is concerned, the CBI court has acquitted him and others including his two sons - B.Y. Vijayendra and B.Y. Raghavendra, son-in-law R.N. Sohan Kumar, former Minister S.N. Krishnaiah Setty amongst others from all the charges due to 'lack of evidence'.
The case relates to showing favour to two mining companies and receiving illegal gratification (a total amount of Rs 40 crore) from them through Prerana Trust, managed by his sons and son-in-law. The CBI had taken up the case following a direction by SC.
The 21st Additional City Civil and Sessions Judge and Principal Special Judge for CBI cases, R.B. Dharamagoudar, pronounced the verdict which approximately runs into more than 400 pages, acquitting all the accused of all the charges registered under Section 120 B and 420 of the India Penal Code and Sections 7, 11, 13(2) 13 (1)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
Meanwhile, the Congress gave CBI the sobriquet "pet performing poodle" in the wake of a court acquitting Yeddyurappa. "If there is or was or continues to be any open and shut case of corruption and misconduct, it is the case pertaining to Yeddyurappa", party spokesman Manish Tewari told reporters in New Delhi.
Post-verdict, BSY to meet Modi and Amit Shah
Former Chief Minister and BJP state unit President B.S. Yeddyurappa said that he will soon meet party National President Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to inform them about his acquittal in the corruption cases. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Mr Yeddyurappa said, “I will not point fingers at my opponents who are responsible for making me suffer in false cases. I will not resort to vendetta politics, my aim is to bring BJP to power in the 2018 elections”, he said. “We are all united in the party, a few leaders have not get positions in the party, but we will set right these issues through talks, Mr K.S. Eshwarappa is busy touring the state to organize an OBC rally of the party at Bengaluru, there are no differences among us”, Yeddyurappa said. He also made it clear that he was not interested in national politics and he wanted to concentrate on the state.
