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Karnataka rebels claim support of 40 MLAs

Karnataka Bureau

BANGALORE: Dissidents in the BJP government in Karnataka, led by three Bellary Ministers-cum-mine owners, claim they have the support of more than 40 MLAs. About 10 from this group were taken to a resort in Hyderabad and another 12 to a resort in Goa to isolate them from the main group.

In Bellary, Tourism Minister G. Janardhan Reddy called for a leadership change saying that it was essential for the party to not only complete its full five-year term but also to ensure that it would continue to come back to power in the State.

Will not yield to such tactics: Chief Minister

Chief Minister B. S. Yeddyurappa has said he will not succumb to the pressure tactics of the Bellary Ministers.

The BJP has 117 MLAs in the 225-member Legislative Assembly. The Opposition Congress and the Janata Dal (S) have expressed their disinclination to join hands with the faction led by Mr. Janardhan Reddy and his brother and Revenue Minister Karunakara Reddy to form any alternative coalition government, a factor that will be to Mr. Yeddyurappa’s advantage.

Projecting Shettar

The dissident group is trying to project senior leader and Speaker Jagadish Shettar as the alternative to Mr. Yeddyurappa. The State party leadership is said to have offered Mr. Shettar the post of Deputy Chief Minister.

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