Tough days ahead for Reddy camp?

Suspicious of a rebellion, party high command warns MLAs associated with mine barons to behave, or they won't be issued a party ticket

Suspicious of a rebellion, party high command warns MLAs associated with mine barons to behave, or they won't be issued a party ticket

Insiders say that after the decision, there is a noticeable change in Renukacharya's (L) attitude towards the Reddys

Trouble seems to be brewing for the ruling BJP, which received flak from the Opposition over the illegal mining issue.

The mess has brought a plethora of worries not only for Chief Minister Yeddyurappa, who ordered a ban on exporting iron ore recently, but also the Reddys, who had opposed the decision.

Suspecting a rebellion within, the BJP high command has cracked the whip by cautioning MLAs associated with Reddys that they might not be issued a party ticket in the days ahead, said sources.

This, sources said, is the reason behind many MLAs changing their loyalty to CM BS Yeddyurappa from the Reddys, leaving the latter in trouble.

"There has been a sudden change in Excise Minister Renukacharya's and others' behaviour," said a senior BJP source close to the CM on condition of anonymity. "They are among the ones in the danger zone."

The 'R' factor

The BJP high command's recent decision comes after foreseeing trouble in the state unit due to a reported tug-of-war between the Reddys and Yeddyurappa, the source said.u00a0

"The MLAs, who have associated themselves with Reddys, will have tough days ahead. The party has decided not to issue tickets to defiant MLAs if they attempt a rebellion," said the source.

"This applies to everyone, (including the ones who are with Reddys), who try to create a mess over the mining issue."

Changing camps?

As a result, many MLAs including Renukacharya, who had led a group of MLAs by camping in Hyderabad last year, have changed their loyalties from Reddys to Yeddyurappa leaving the mining barons hanging.

"It is the fear of losing a party ticket that seems to have changed Renukacharya," added the source. "He seems to be wanting to change his 'Reddy's man' image."

While BJP leaders, who are in New Delhi, including state unit president KS Eshwarappa were not available for comment, BJP state unit vice president BM Bhanuprakash denied to say anything over the issue.

"Our leaders are in New Delhi," said Bhanuprakash. "That's all I can share. Nothing more."