Shettar's followers in dilemma

BJP MLAs from North Karnataka, particularly those loyal to Assembly speaker Jagadeesh Shettar, are in a dilemma. They do not know whether to support the candidature of Shettar as an alternative leader or to continue supporting CM Yeddyurappa.

In the stand off between mining czars, the Reddy brothers, and chief minister B S Yeddyurappa, speaker Jagadeesh Shettar has suddenly emerged as the focal point. The Reddy brothers, who have been demanding a change of leadership have appealed to Shettar to be ready to take over.

Being a speaker of the assembly, Shettar has refused to comment openly on the political developments in the state and is playing his cards close to his chest. He has met several religious heads and held consultations with them, sparking off speculations about his next step.

Soon after the BJP government was formed, everyone expected that Shettar, who had held important positions in the party as well as in the coalition government — to be included in Yeddyurappa’s cabinet and given a key portfolio. But hours before the swearing-in ceremony, the news spread that Shettar was not being a cabinet berth and would be made Speaker. This had come as a rude shock to Shettar and his supporters. Shettar, initially refused to accept the Speaker’s post and volunteered to remain a legislator. However, he relented to pressure from party high command later. His supporters saw the move as an attempt to sideline Shettar and there had been violent protests in Hubli.

In a bid to prevent Shettar from yielding to pressure from Reddys, Yeddyurappa camp has offered him a cabinet berth with an important portfolio though Shettar has not responded to the offer from either side. Some MLAs from North Karnataka who are his supporters want him to make best use of the opportunity and take up the cabinet berth. Some of them privately say they would be happy if he becomes CM. However they are not in favour of Shettar succumbing to pressure from Reddys and to be a party to the change of guard. These MLAs do not want to incur the displeasure of CM Yeddyurappa either.

A few MLAs and a couple of MPs from the state met Shettar on Thursday and expressed their solidarity with him.

Shettar, who had been state BJP president and leader of the opposition, had not been very appreciative of the Operation Lotus carried out by Reddys to secure a clear mandate for Yeddyurappa government. It is to be seen if he will side with Reddys to settle scores with Yeddyurappa or accept the cabinet berth and help Yeddyurappa consolidate his position.