The dissidents are now looking forward for the formation of a core committee to decide on matters of governance and appointments while the Yeddyurappa loyalists are taking solace in the fact that the party high command did not even touch the leadership issue. Another pole in the BJP, the Reddy brothers of Bellary returned to their home district after their trip to Tirupati.
Jaitley, during his parleys with state party leaders on Thursday, had told them that the central leadership will not tolerate airing of internal affairs of the party in public.
Speaking to reporters for the first time since his arrival in Bangalore, Jaitley said he had urged senior leaders to maintain utmost discipline and the central leadership will keep a close watch on them. He later left for Delhi from where he will be flying to England.
Jaitley has ruled out submitting a report on the state party affairs to the central leadership. “There are no major differences. I have spoken to all those who met me and asked to work them in coordination with each other,” he said.
He denied that party leaders had lodged complaints against each other or there was any demand for dropping of some ministers. To a query, Jaitley said there was no proposal to form a committee.
But sources in the party said the Sangh will discuss about the proposed committee in its meeting in a week’s time. Also, Jaitley will be back in Bangalore in July first week for second round of talks. By that time, the composition of the committee may be discussed.
Pressure on CM
So, for now, the dissidents have decided to stay low. According to party sources, there is intense pressure on Chief Minister Yeddyurappa to drop two ministers closely associated with him. However, the CM may buy time before taking any decision.
Replying to queries at a press conference about the demand of dissident ministers that she should be dropped from the Cabinet, RDPR Minister Shobha Karandlaje said she will carry out her responsibilities as long as she is minister.
To a specific question whether she will continue to be a minister, she said: “I will be the Minister for next four years. Moreover, it is the discretion of the chief minister to have anybody as minister. I will be the minister as long as the CM wants me in the Cabinet.”
Meanwhile, the stand-off between the Reddy brothers and the CM is likely to continue with both the sides not softening their respective stands. Sources close to the Reddy brothers said they are likely to wait for the response of the CM on the demands made by Somashekar Reddy which includes Rs 300 crore constituency grant for Bellary city.