BJP gen sec arrives amid BSY's renewed bid for CM's post

BJP general secretary and Karnataka in-charge Dharmendra Pradhan arrived here on Sunday amid former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa stepping up his demand for reinstating him as chief minister.

Speaking to reporters on his arrival, Pradhan said he had come to the city to attend a private function and not to discuss politics. He, however, said the leadership issue was in the public domain and the central leadership was aware about it.

Pradhan said he was happy with Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda's governance and there was nothing wrong in Yeddyurappa taking out statewide tour in drought-hit areas of the state. "Yeddyurappa is our leader. What's wrong if he visits drought-hit areas?" he asked.

However, party sources said Pradhan has been deputed by the central leadership to hold discussions with rival factions to bring to an end the Yeddyurappa-Sadananda Gowda feud over the leadership issue. Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Jagadish Shettar also met Pradhan and held talks for 30 minutes, the sources said.

They said since Gowda and state BJP president K S Eshwarappa were not in the city, Pradhan would extend his stay till tomorrow. The party sources said Pradhan would discuss various options before the party with respect to Yeddyurappa's demands. Yeddyurappa, who was on visit to drought-hit areas, returned to the city last night.