23 November,2010 06:29 AM IST | | B V Shiva Shankar
BS Yeddyurappa can breathe easy for now, with him coming to an understanding with the Congress over on-floor cooperation in the house
The Congress once again came to Yeddyurappa's rescue, thanks to party leaders arriving at an understanding with the BJP, on floor co-operation in the house, with the ongoing 2G scam.
Safe landing: Yeddyurappa flew to Delhi from Puttaparthi with PM
Manmohan Singh yesterday.
Amid media speculations on Yeddyurappa's resignation in the backdrop of the land scams linking his family members, the CM, who landed in Delhi yesterday, announced that nobody from his party had asked for his resignation. Soon the hype turned into anti-climax, and the BJP president left for Nagpur indicating the end of the drama.
As part of the deal, the BJP will not pester the CM over the 2G scam, and the Congress will not embarrass the BJP in the parliament.u00a0u00a0
Yeddyurappa, who was reluctant to go to Delhi despite persistent calls from the high command, flew to the national capital with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, from Puttaparthi yesterday. The duo was there to attend Sathya Sai Baba's birthday celebrations.
Did he strike a deal with the PM onboard? '"No," he said, "I discussed developmental issue regarding the state and asked him for the release of the funds," he added.
However, a highly placed source in the BJP said that the understanding between the ruling and Opposition parties saved Yeddyurappa government for now, while his meeting with Singh only helped smoothen things.
"He was asked to resign because the Congress would have pestered the party in the parliament over the issue. Now, he has been convinced that it wouldn't happen," said the source.
Flashback
In October, Congress had stepped in, when governor H R Bhardwaj recommendedu00a0 President's rule after 16 MLAs withdrew their support. At that time, the Congress had sought cooperation from the BJP in the wake of US President Barack Obama's India visit. Bharadwaj allowed Yeddyurappa for a second vote of confidence in the assembly so that he could prove majority for his government.
"Apart from the Congress, there were many factors to save him. These include Panchayat polls due for December, and the Lingayat community rallying for him," said the source.
While the CM is ready to announce the Panchayat polls immediately, the High Court heard a case regarding reservations of the poll candidates yesterday, and posted it for today.u00a0
"If the court decides on the case being cleared, the Election Commission will be notified. The state will go in a poll mode, and the corruption issue will fade out by itself," said the source.
What his stars say
Astrological predictions say that Yeddyurappa will face hardships for two more days and he will be safe after that.
According to Bhanuprakash Sharma, Chief Minister's family priest and astrologer, Yeddyurappa's star has lost the support of Jupiter in the period between November 10 and December 10.
Sharma said, "The period between November 14 and November 24 is the toughest time for Yeddyurappa, leading to public insult and loss of power. If he is able to survive until November 24, he would continue in the office until July next year."
| Resounding comeback? |
| >>While the opposition parties were baying for Yeddyurappa's blood, the Chief Minister is reportedly ready with some files to prove that Opposition leader Siddaramiah's son had made big bucks by mediating de-notification of land. |
