BJP Core Committee likely to issue notice to rebel MLAs

Sankeshwar is the first BJP legislator to resign his membership from Legislative Council to join Yeddyurappa's Karnataka Janata Party.

The Core Committee meeting of the BJP, to be held tomorrow in the city, is likely to serve showcause notice to 14 MLAs and seven MLCs who shared the dais with Yeddyurappa at the KJP rally in Haveri on December 9.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Legislative Council session here, Gowda said senior BJP leader Ananthkumar would attend the Core Committee meeting to decide the fate of Yeddyurappa loyalists.

Replying to a query, Gowda admitted that the BJP delayed taking action against legislators loyal to Yeddyurappa as the party wanted to retain the rebel leader in the party.

"With Yeddyurappa leaving the party, there is no need for it to tolerate indiscipline anymore," he added.

Asked whether action would be taken against BJP legislators loyal to rebel leader B Sriramulu, Gowda said the party would not discriminate and take disciplinary action against them.

Legislators including G Somashekara Reddy, Suresh Babu, B Nagendra, MPs J Shantha and Sanna Pakeerappa have been identified with the Badava Sramikara Raithara party.