Bengaluru: Is veteran BJP leader K.S. Eshwarappa set to lose the post of Opposition leader in the Legislative Council for leading the ‘revolt’ against his state president. B.S. Yeddyurappa and for opposing his choice of party office bearers? Sources in the Yeddyurappa camp disclosed that the former CM is exploring the possibility of appointing deputy leader in the Council K.B. Shanappa to the post.
It was when he sensed a threat to his present post that Mr Eshwarappa decided to prove his strength to Mr Yeddyurappa by organizing a meeting of Sangolli Rayanna Brigade (SRB) on Tuesday, said sources.
A few days ago, Mr Yeddyurappa had discussed the need to elevate a Dalit face in the party by giving him higher responsibilities. He feels the elevation of Mr Shanappa as Opposition leader in the Council, will help the party consolidate the Dalit vote in the 2018 Assembly elections.
Sources said Mr Yeddyurappa has already held an informal discussion with his supporters in the Council who felt the promotion of Mr Shanappa as Opposition leader would send a positive message to the Dalit community.
Aiming to kill two birds with one stone-appease the Dalits and show Mr Eshwarappa his place, Mr Yeddyurappa has subtly proposed this idea and is gauging the situation.
According to supporters of the former CM, the unseating of Eshwarappa will not affect the party since the majority of Kuruba votes are with the Congress and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, considered the most popular Kuruba leader. This masterstroke has made Eshwarappa run for cover and launch the SRB.
