New state BJP chief Eswarappa speaks out in support of partymen pushing for polls, takes on city in-charge ministers
New state BJP chief Eswarappa speaks out in support of partymen pushing for polls, takes on city in-charge ministers
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Even as a fresh bout of legal battle over Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) takes off, the government's procrastination over the civic polls has created a rift in the ruling BJP. While city in-charge ministers R Ashoka and Katta Subramanya Naidu, continue their efforts to stall the polls so that they can retain control over the flush-with-funds city, K S Eswarappa, state BJP president, is doing the exact opposite, by pushing for the elections.
"The party workers are upset with the minister duo and the CM for putting off polls for their benefit," said a BJP source. "Eswarappa is just voicing their concerns."
In a committee meeting held on Saturday, Eswarappa is believed to have warned Ashoka and Katta with strict action, for putting hurdles for the democratic process.
"One or two leaders are not important," Eswarappa told MiDDAY. "We have to protect the party workers' interest while upholding the democratic principles. The elections will take place, no matter what."
The High Court has ordered the government to hold elections on or before March 30, while announcing a fresh ward-wise reservation within 20 February.
Undeterred, the minister duo reportedly continued the pressure tactics, forcing CM Yeddyurappa to file a special leave petition (SLP) with the Supreme Court, questioning the high court's verdict. The CM made a quick trip to Delhi along with Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister S Suresh Kumar on Monday, to oversee the arrangements for the ensuing legal war. The government will file the SLP in a day or two.
"We cannot have exams and the polls at the time. People acting like saviours of democracy must keep this in mind," said Yeddyurappa.
This indicates the widening gap between Eswarappa and Yeddyurappa. "Eswarappa was seen as a dissident leader before he was made state president of the party, and now it seems like he is getting ready to take Yeddyurappa head on," said the source. Eswarappa who was insisting on polls in March, now asking for the elections to held at least in May, while Ashoka and Katta are not bothered. This may worsen the situation further, revealed the source.u00a0 The state election commission (SEC) issued a caveat in the Supreme Court on Monday, anticipating the SLP from the government.
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Mayors united: Ex-mayors at the Raj Bhavan, where they submitted a memorandum to Governor H R Bhardwaj asking for action against the government for the delay in holding the civic polls. Pic/Satish Badiger |
"We must be heard in case the government files an SLP," said G R Chikmat, State Election Commissioner.
"We are ready to conduct polls and we won't hesitate to file a contempt case, if the state government fails to announce reservation within the deadline."
However, SEC's move is to just avoid court, while it is helping the government to postpone the polls indirectly, according to reliable sources.
Former Mayors including P R Ramesh and Ramachandrappa, who have already filed caveat in the Supreme Court, submitted a memorandum on Monday, seeking strict action against the government. "The government is violating the constitution by not conducting polls," said Ramesh. "The governor must report it to the Centre, asking for its dismissal."
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