Is RSS out to get Yeddy?

Grapevine says Yeddyurappa may contest from Tumkur, but BJP denies it

By M. Gautham Machaiah

Elections always provide a fertile breeding ground for political gossip. With the Assembly poll dates announced in Karnataka, the latest rumour is that the BJP’s chief ministerial candidate B.S. Yeddyurappa might prefer to contest from Tumkur, instead of his home constituency Shikaripura in Shimoga district.

According to grapevine, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangha (RSS) is so offended with Yeddyurappa’s lust for power, that some of its members are leaving no stone unturned to ensure his defeat at the hustings. This is also said to have the tacit support of at least one senior BJP leader whose antipathy towards Yeddyurappa is well known.

The RSS apparently is piqued with Yeddyurappa, for promoting his own self-interest at the cost of the party. The first such instance was when the leader threatened to split the BJP and join the Janata Dal (Secular) with the sole intent of grabbing power in Karnataka. This, however, was averted following a meeting of the BJP Legislative Party (BJPLP) at Keshavashilpa, the RSS headquarters.

Ultimately, the JD(S) ditched its coalition partner, the Congress, to join hands with the BJP, catapulting Yeddyurappa to the Deputy Chief Minister’s seat. As per the power sharing agreement reached between the two partners, the JD(S) and BJP were to rule the State for an equal term of two years each.

However, when the JD(S) failed to honour its commitment at the end of two years, the BJP ministers submitted their resignation, leading to the collapse of the government and imposition of President’s rule in October this year. The BJP went hammer and tongs against the JD(S), unleashing a State-wide protest.

But the drama was yet to end. Even as a wave of sympathy engulfed the BJP, it once again got feelers from the JD(S) to kiss and make up. Yeddyurappa who was spewing fire and brimstone against JD(S) leaders meekly rushed back to Bangalore, much to the chagrin of many of his party colleagues.

On November 12, 2008, Yeddyurappa’s life long dream came true when he was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Karnataka on the majestic steps of Vidhana Soudha. But his joy was short-lived with the JD(S) once again stabbing him on the back. On November 19, that is, barely eight days later, he had to submit his resignation after the JD(S) issued a whip to its members to vote against Yeddyurappa when the motion of confidence was moved in the Assembly. Indeed, a loss of face to both the BJP and Yeddyurappa.

Yeddyurappa was once again on the streets crying hoarse about the unethical behaviour of JD(S). But by then, much of the sympathy that the BJP had gained was lost. The BJP was seen by the people as just another party which would go to any length to share the spoils of power.

While Yeddyurappa’s bete noire in the BJP, Ananth Kumar, smirked at his adversary’s fall from grace, the RSS was equally miffed that the party had become a laughing stock in the eyes of the people. It is against this backdrop that some RSS members are said to be keen to rap the eight day wonder on his knuckles.

With murmurs that the RSS is working against Yeddyurappa gaining momentum, the BJP leader is said to be toying with the idea of contesting from Tumkur, instead of Shikaripura. Tumkur is considered a safe constituency due to the large Lingayat population, the community to which Yeddyurappa belongs.

However, senior BJP leaders are quick to denounce any such move. According to them, there is no question of Yeddyurappa shifting from Shimoga district which is considered a stronghold of the BJP. The RSS, Yeddyurappa and Ananth Kumar, have buried the hatchet in view of the forthcoming elections, these leaders claim, adding, “We will unitedly fight the polls.”

Whether or not Yeddyurappa decides to shift his constituency, these elections are sure to provide enough fodder for thought.