BENGALURU: Chief minister
BS Yediyurappa’s decision to return to power on the back of support from ‘rebel’ Congress and JD(S) legislators — who have since been disqualified — has come back to haunt him ahead of bypolls to 15 assembly constituencies as he faces the infinitely difficult task of balancing interests of his own party leaders and that of the rebels.
With the Supreme Court yet to deliver a verdict on pleas to overturn their disqualification, the BJP is stuck in limbo as it cannot take a political decision on the disqualified MLAs without keeping in mind the “obligation” it owes them. On the other hand, the party faces the threat of rebellion if it fails to consider its own leaders in these segments.
“This is a testing time for Yediyurappa’s leadership,” said a senior BJP leader. “The onus of steering clear of the mess is on him since the high command acquiesced to forming the government on his insistence.”
Yediyurappa on Sunday met BJP national president
Amit Shah in New Delhi and apprised him about the prevailing political situation. Sources said the party leadership supported Yediyurappa’s view of being indebted to the disqualified MLAs.
“We could not have formed the government without the sacrifice of the disqualified MLAs,” admitted N Ravikumar, BJP spokesperson and senior MLC. “The party is obligated to them and the priority is to give them the party ticket. If that is not possible, then we will go by their choice of candidate.”
But that’s easier said than done. In Hoskote assembly constituency for instance, the BJP is obligated to field MTB Nagaraj, the disqualified Congress MLA or his son Nitish Purushotham. But, Sharath Bachchegowda, who lost to Nagaraj by 7,600 votes in 2018, is a strong contender for the BJP ticket. Sharath has hinted that he would rebel against his party if he is overlooked.
Similarly, UB Banakar is likely to rebel against the BJP in Hirekerur. He lost to Congress’s BC Patil, who is now disqualified, by just 555 votes. Indications are that the BJP may give the ticket to Patil’s daughter Srushti, which could push Banakar to the Congress with whom he is already holding talks.
The BJP faces the toughest challenge in Belagavi district, where three constituencies are bound for polls. There is Ramesh Jarkiholi in Gokak, deputy chief minister Laxman S Savadi in place of disqualified MLA Mahesh Kumatalli in Athani and Raju Kage fighting to get the ticket in place of disqualified Congress MLA Shrimant B Patil from Kagwad constituency.
But for now, all eyes are on the SC as it is expected to hear the petition filed by the disqualified MLAs on Monday. “If the court rules in our favour, it is well and good and we will contest the elections,” said K Sudahkar, Congress disqualified MLA from Chikkaballapura. “Otherwise, we will suggest whom to field.”