Yeddyurappa bats for regional parties

On his maiden visit to Mysore after assuming the post of president of his newly-floated Karnataka Janata Party (KJP), former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa on Thursday batted for his regional party saying regional parties could fight for the cause of state’s interests like the Cauvery waters.

Yeddyurappa arrived on his mission to seek divine blessings for himself and his party by visiting temples during his journey from Bangalore to Mysore. He visited Nimishamba Temple on the bank of the river Cauvery at Srirangapatna in Mandya district and the temple of Goddess of Chamundeswari atop Chamundi Hills in Mysore.

Addressing his supporters, including those who gave him an overwhelming welcome when he arrived at Mysore tollgate with cheers, KJP flags and cutouts, the KJP president said regional parties could bring pressure on the Centre to get justice to the state on many vital issues, like the Cauvery, by winning more seats to the Lok Sabha.

He said his visit was part of his statewide tour. Besides visiting temples, he was getting in touch with his followers and supporters, who he said were spread across the state. He was confident of their numbers growing further and boosting the strength of the KJP.

While he refused to respond to a query on chief minister Jagadish Shettar’s statement on him, he shot back on state BJP president K S Eswarappa’s reported remarks that he (Yeddyurappa) was losing popularity. “It is the people who decide on my popularity and not Eswarappa,” he remarked.

He repeated his challenge to the chief minister to dissolve the Assembly if he had courage. He reiterated his claim that the Shettar’s government was a coalition government with KJP legislators.

The former CM said a decision on the future course of action by his loyalist legislators would be taken in a few days.