Bengaluru: With less than a year for the assembly elections, some Bharatiya Janata Party leaders have sought to project party strongman BS Yediyurappa's son BY Vijayendra as the future chief minister.Both sought to play it down on Wednesday.Yediyurappa, a former chief minister, however, said Vijayedra, who is currently the party's vice president, will contest the 2023 assembly polls."I have worked and travelled across the state as party Yuva Morcha general secretary, and now when the party has given me the responsibility of vice president, I'm successfully performing those duties too. I will abide and work according to the party's decision," Vijayendra told reporters in Hassan. In Vijayapura, Yediyurappa said neither he nor his son have made any such statements, and would not like to react to comments made by someone close to Vijayendra. "I don't want to react and can only say, he (Vijayendra) is working and has a good future, let him work and come up.....he is a youth and is working, there is huge confidence and goodwill among youth towards him. In the days to come with the blessings of the people he will get good opportunities and I am confident that he will grow," he added.On Tuesday, Minister of Youth Empowerment and Sports Narayana Gowda praised Vijayendra and his elder brother BY Raghavendra, who is Shivamogga MP, calling them worthy sons of their father for qualities such as persistence, at a party meeting in Mandya."..we are with Vijayanna (Vijayendra) and will work for winning minimum five seats in Mandya (district during 2023 assembly polls)...if any one has the qualities to become next chief minister it is Vijayanna...he is travelling across state, I request him to travel more in old Mysuru region," he had said.Adding to Gowda's comments, Industries Minister Murugesh Nirani questioned as to what's wrong with a former CM's son becoming a chief minister."The party's state and central leadership will decide on it, but no doubt that he (Vijayendra) has all the qualities (to become CM)," he said in Vijayapura.Ignoring the recommendation of the state unit to field Vijayendra for the June 3 biennial elections to seven seats of the Karnataka legislative council, the party central leadership denied him the ticket. The move was seen in some political quarters as a setback to Yediyurappa.Several opposition leaders including Congress legislature party leader Siddaramaiah had termed the move as "sidelining" of Yediyurappa within the BJP.Hitting out at Siddaramaiah, Yediyurappa said he needs no certificate from the Leader of opposition in the state assembly."No one in the BJP has got the positions and respect that I have got. I have been chief minister four times. I have got all the opportunities. I had resigned as CM on my own will, still the party and people have the same respect towards me," he said, promising to work for the party returning to power by winning more than 140 seats (in the 225-member assembly).Noting that PM Narendra Modi and party leadership had denied the opportunity to his son with an intention that people from the same family should not be given tickets, he said, "He (Vijayendra) will contest the upcoming assembly elections and will win from wherever he contests."Yediyurappa is currently an MLA from Shikaripura, while his elder son Ragahavendra is Shivamogga MP.Earlier too there were reports that Vijayendra might be fielded to contest the assembly polls from one of the seats in the old Mysuru (south Karnataka) region, where the party is considered to be weak.He too had recently stated that he is interested in working in the region, if the party decides. Vijayendra was appointed as the party vice president in July 2020. Before that he was appointed as BJP youth wing general secretary, soon after he was denied a party ticket to contest from Varuna constituency in Mysuru, ahead of the May 2018 assembly polls.His stakes increased in the party as he was credited by many to have played a key role for the BJP's first ever victory in KR Pet (where Minister Naryana Gowda was the candidate) and Sira assembly segments during the by-polls held in 2019 and 2020 respectively.—PTI

With less than a year for the assembly elections, some Bharatiya Janata Party leaders have sought to project party strongman BS Yediyurappa's son BY Vijayendra as the future chief minister.

Yediyurappa says his son Vijayendra will contest 2023 K'taka polls

Bengaluru:&nbsp;Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa is said to have told a delegation of pontiffs from various communities on Tuesday that he will have to abide by the decision of the BJP high command, giving some credence to speculation that a change of leadership is on the cards.However, these pontiffs have warned of political fallout for the BJP in Karnataka if Yediyurappa is dislodged as the Chief Minister."Yediyurappa only said that he is not in a position to speak anything on the issue and will have to abide by the decision of the high command. He did not say anything else," Balehosur mutt's Dingaleshwar Swamy, who led the delegation of pontiffs, said.Speaking to reporters after the meeting, he said "when we questioned Yediyurappa what really has happened, he said he will not comment on that and the high command's decision is final. He did not say anything else.""The unanimous opinion of the pontiffs is- don't replace Yediyurappa. If it is done, you (BJP) will face bad consequences in the days to come.What is the need for a change? We are not against nurturing new leaders," the&nbsp;Swamiji&nbsp;added.Over two dozen pontiffs from different parts of the state, clad in saffron attire, met Yediyurappa to express their support amid talks in some quarters of his exit in the near future.As many as 300-400 pontiffs are expected to gather in Bengaluru in a couple of days to discuss the "future course of action", sources said.Noting that their demand not to remove Yediyurappa is not because he is a Lingayat, the swamiji said it was because he is a good leader, has strived hard for the state and should be allowed to administer with cooperation from everyone.The seer said it was because of Yediyurappa and the efforts of his associates that the BJP has been able to come to power in Karnataka.He said there is a feeling of pain among the pontiffs and people of the state that Yediyurappa, who has built BJP in Karnataka from the grass-roots level and brought it to power, was not allowed to run the administration for a complete term in the past and the same thing is getting repeated once again."If in any situation Yediyurappa is replaced, the BJP will probably get decimated in Karnataka. This is not only our opinion but of a majority of people of the state," he added.Asking the BJP high command to allow Yediyurappa to complete the term, Dingaleshwar Swamy pointed out that it was the 78-year-old leader who formed the government by "bringing in" 17 MLAs from other parties and managed the floods and COVID situations effectively.Yediyurappa, who will complete two years in office on July 26, visited Delhi last week, meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and BJP President J P Nadda.The trip raised questions in some quarters on whether the party was now working out a succession plan.On his return from the national capital, Yediyurappa rubbished talk that he is on his way out and asserted that the central leadership has asked him to continue in the post.However, speculation about his replacement refuses to die down as Yediyurappa has convened the BJP legislature party meeting on July 26, on the occasion of completion of two years in office.Amid heightened buzz within a section of the ruling BJP circles that the exit of Yediyurappa is on the cards, the community factor also seems to have come to the fore, with prominent Veerashaiva-Lingayat political leaders and seers from the community throwing their weight behind him.Congress leaders Shamanur Shivashankarappa and M B Patil, as also Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru, head of the Chitradurga based Sri Jagadguru Murugharajendra Mutt, Sri Veera Someshwara Shivacharya Swami of Rambhapuri Peetha of Balehonnur and Srisaila Jagadguru Channa Siddharama Panditaradhya, have warned BJP of a backlash if Yediyurappa is replaced. —PTI

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa is said to have told a delegation of pontiffs from various communities on Tuesday that he will have to abide by the decision of the BJP high command, giving some credence to speculation that a change of leadership is on the cards.

Yediyurappa hints his exit is imminent, awaiting BJP high command's directions

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa is said to have told a delegation of pontiffs from various communities on Tuesday that he will have to abide by the decision of the BJP high command, giving some credence to speculation that a change of leadership is on the cards.



Bengaluru: Former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa on Saturday clarified his statement of retirement for electoral politics stating that in spite of his announcement, he will abide by the party diktat. "It is up to the party to provide an opportunity for B.Y. Vijayedra (his son) to contest from Shikaripura constituency (which he represents)," he said."There is a lot of confusion regarding my statement given in Shikaripura on Friday. Because of the pressure from the people of Shikaripura, I made those statements. However, the final decision will be taken by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The decision of top party leaders is final," Yediyurappa explained."I have given my suggestion. Vijayendra can contest from the old Mysuru region as well. He can win in any constituency from where he contests. I will abide by any party decision in this regard. I will follow the directions of PM Modi and BJP Party President J.P. Nadda," he said. Veteran BJP leader Yediyurappa on Friday announced his retirement from electoral politics. He had stated that he won't contest for next assembly elections from Shikaripura constituency from where he began his political career.He stated that he is backtracking to facilitate the contest of his son B.Y. Vijayendra, who is presently holding the post of vice-president in BJP. "I won't contest in the next elections from Shikaripura. Vijayendra will contest in my place. I appeal to people to ensure his resounding victory," he had stated.There was a demand from Mysuru region for Vijayendra to contest elections. "However, as I am vacating the constituency, he will represent it in the upcoming assembly elections," he said earlier.The statement has surprised the political circles especially BJP. His detractors were taken aback by the announcement. Party sources explain that ever since Yediyurappa stepped down from the post of CM, Vijayendra has not been given major responsibilities.—IANS

Former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa on Saturday clarified his statement of retirement for electoral politics stating that in spite of his announcement, he will abide by the party diktat. "It is up to the party to provide an opportunity for B.Y. Vijayedra (his son) to contest from Shikaripura constituency (which he represents)," he said.

Yediyurappa Now Says He Will Abide By Party Diktat

Bengaluru: In a setback to BJP leader B.S. Yediyurappa, a special court for cases against MPs/MLAs on Wednesday ordered the filing of case and investigation by the Lokayukta police, into allegations of misuse of power when he was Karnataka Chief Minister.
The special court's order came on a plea by social activist T.J. Abraham who has alleged that Yediyurappa had allegedly awarded a BDA housing project to Ramalingam Constructions in return for financial favours diverted through shell companies.
Abraham had previously approached the court seeking probe against Yediyurappa, his son B.Y. Vijayendra, Co-Operation Minister S.T. Somashekar and six others. However, the special court had dismissed the petition for not taking prior consent of the Governor. Subsequently, Abraham had appealed the High Court which had directed the special court to revisit the case.
Yediyurappa said that there is no truth in the allegations and he will emerge innocent, while expressing full faith in the judiciary. "It's a conspiracy against me," he said.—IANS

In a setback to BJP leader B.S. Yediyurappa, a special court for cases against MPs/MLAs on Wednesday ordered the filing of case and investigation by the Lokayukta police, into allegations of misuse of power when he was Karnataka Chief Minister.

K'taka Special Court Orders Graft Probe Against Yediyurappa

Udupi, Karnataka (The Hawk): B.S. Yediyurappa, a lingayat strongman and former chief minister, attacked the rape suspect Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru on Tuesday, claiming that the seer had committed a "unpardonable" act that was public knowledge.
Speaking to reporters in the Karnataka district of Udupi, the member of the BJP Central Parliamentary Committee expressed surprise that the well-known seer would go to such a low level. He said, "It should be denounced by all, and the Chitradurga Mutt seer should face severe punishment."
Yediyurappa hasn't previously responded in relation to the development.
According to Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, the matter will follow the dictates of the law.
The judicial detention of the rape suspect Seer is coming to a close, and on Tuesday, he will appear with the other accused before the Second Additional and Sessions' Court in Chitradurga.
Along with him will be the third accused Paramashivaiah, the previous manager of the mutt, and the second accused Rashmi, who served as a warden of the ladies dormitory. For additional sleuthing, the police are requesting to get custody of Rashmi, the accused.
The charges against the imprisoned Lingayat seer have been proven during the course of the inquiry, according to Karnataka police. The charges against Accused No. 2, Lady's Hostel Warden Rashmi, and Accused No. 4 Paramashivaiah have also been proven, according to Chitradurga SP K. Parashurama.
(Inputs from Agencies)

B.S. Yediyurappa, a lingayat strongman and former chief minister, attacked the rape suspect Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru on Tuesday, claiming that the seer had committed a "unpardonable" act that was public knowledge.

Seer's unpardonable crime in the K'taka Lingayat Mutt sex scandal, says Yediyurappa

Dharwad: Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a massive roadshow in the Kundgol town of Karnataka's Dharwad on Saturday. Chief Minister Basavraj Bommai and former Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa were present duiring the roadshow.
The Home Minister arrived in the state to attend public meeting and a series of other public programmes in the state, where Assembly elections are scheduled this year.
Shah started his day-long visit by attending the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of B.V. Bhoomaraddi College of Engineering and Technology in KLE Technology University, Hubballi city where he encouraged the students to work for the country and advised them to utilize opportunities provided by the Centre to make the country number one in the world.
He also laid the foundation stone of National Forensic Sciences University (Karnataka Campus) in the National Forensic Science University (NFSU) in Dharwad and emphasised the importance of the integration of the investigation by the Forensic Sciences and the criminal justice system to increase the conviction rate in the country.
Shah's visit to Karnataka has been organised at a time when Assembly elections are scheduled here this year along with eight other states, including Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura.
These Assembly elections are said to be the semi-finals ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections scheduled to be held in 2024. The elections in Karnataka are likely to be held in mid-April or the beginning of May. Ahead of the assembly polls, the focus of political parties has shifted to the state. Among the other significant seats, one is the Mangalore City South assembly constituency.
—ANI

Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a massive roadshow in the Kundgol town of Karnataka's Dharwad on Saturday. Chief Minister Basavraj Bommai and former Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa were present duiring the roadshow.

Shah Holds Roadshow With CM Bommai, Yediyurappa In Dharwad

Shivamogga: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a special gesture towards BS Yediyurappa who is celebrating his 80th birth anniversary on Monday, asked the people to turn on the flashlights of their mobile phones to extend birthday greetings to the former chief minister.
"Today is special for one more reason. It's the birthday of Karnataka's popular leader BS Yediyurappa. I pray for his long life. He dedicated his life to the poor and farmers' welfare. His speech at the Karnataka Assembly last week was an inspiration for everyone in public life," PM Modi said.
"Even after attaining new heights of success, one should remain humble and grounded. The life of BS Yediyurappa as well as his speech in the Assembly has always inspired me and others, who are in public life. He will keep inspiring the coming generations," he added.
PM Modi also inaugurated Shivamogga airport in Karnataka. "Today, (hivamogga got its own airport. It was a long-standing demand here and it has now been fulfilled. The airport is grand and beautiful. It represents an unqiue blend of Karnataka's tradition and modern technology," said PM Modi.
Addressing a public rally post the inauguration of the Shivamogga airport, he said the airport will also inspire them to chase their dreams.
"I am feel privileged to have this opportunity to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for projects worth thousands of crores for the development of Karnataka. Today, Shivamogga has got its own airport. It is beautiful and grand. This airport will inspire the state's youth to chase their dreams," PM Modi said.
Later in the day, PM Modi will hold a road show in Belagavi.
Additional Director General of Police Alok Kumar visited Channamma Circle to review the security preparedness ahead of the roadshow.
"Watertight security has been arranged for PM Modi's roadshow. Adquate police deployment has been on the route of the roadshow. As many as 6 SPs, 11 ASPs, 28 DSPs, 60 inspectors, 22 KSRP squads, and a total of 3,000 police personnel have been deployed for PM Modi's security. It will be a 10.7 km roadshow," said Kumar. PM Modi will also inaugurate water supply projects worth Rs 2,500 crore in Shivamogga and Belagavi districts of Karnataka.
—ANI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a special gesture towards BS Yediyurappa who is celebrating his 80th birth anniversary on Monday, asked the people to turn on the flashlights of their mobile phones to extend birthday greetings to the former chief minister.

In Special Gesture To BSY, PM Modi Asks Audience To Flip On Mobile Torches To Greet Him On 80th Birthday

<span style="color: rgb(44,47,52);font-size: 15px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">Bengaluru: <span style="color: rgb(44,47,52);font-size: 15px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">Merger with JD(S) for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections will strengthen BJP in Karnataka, former chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa said on Friday.
<span style="color: rgb(44,47,52);font-size: 15px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">Meanwhile, denouncing the arrangement, DyCM D.K. Shivakumar maintained that it cannot not be said whether the JD(S) will exist in the coming days.
<span style="color: rgb(44,47,52);font-size: 15px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">Sp Bengaluru, Sep 8 (IANS) Merger with JD(S) for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections will strengthen BJP in Karnataka, former chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa said on Friday.
<span style="color: rgb(44,47,52);font-size: 15px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">eaking to reporters at the Freedom Park, the former CM stated that he welcomed the alliance of BJP and JD(S). With the alliance, it is possible to win more seats. Talks are on in New Delhi in this regard.
<span style="color: rgb(44,47,52);font-size: 15px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">JD(S) top leader and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda had held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
<span style="color: rgb(44,47,52);font-size: 15px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">The leaders of both the parties have agreed. “Amit Shah has agreed to give four MP seats to JD(S). Hence, BJP will allow JD(S) to contest in four MP seats and it will contest in the rest of the seats,” Yediyurappa stated.
<span style="color: rgb(44,47,52);font-size: 15px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">“I welcome the alliance. This will help us to win more seats. I have confidence that the alliance will emerge victorious in 25 to 26 seats (total 28 seats),” he stated.
<span style="color: rgb(44,47,52);font-size: 15px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai welcomed the alliance and stated that opposition unity is the need of the hour. The alliance is made to save Karnataka. The Opposition parties have come together naturally. There is a need <span style="color: rgb(44,47,52);font-size: 15px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">for this to save the state.
<span style="color: rgb(44,47,52);font-size: 15px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">BJP Karnataka President Nalin Kumar Kateel stated that the party is preparing to win all 28 MP seats. There will be more clarity in future. The discussion has started between JD (S) and BJP and discussion is on to strategise for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
<span style="color: rgb(44,47,52);font-size: 15px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">Reacting to it, Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha called Yediyurappa an “unquestionable” leader in Karnataka and brought the party to power twice.
<span style="color: rgb(44,47,52);font-size: 15px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">The central leadership had communicated to him about the merger and the decisions would be taken in the interest of the party and all would abide by them.
<span style="color: rgb(44,47,52);font-size: 15px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">Former BJP minister C.P. Yogeshwar has stated that JD (S) will join the NDA alliance. The alliance will trounce the Congress. The feelings of ground level workers are felt by the central leadership.
<span style="color: rgb(44,47,52);font-size: 15px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">Reacting to the development, the DyCM maintained that following the development, he doesn’t know whether the JD (S) party will exist or cease to exist. “I don’t know how the ideology of JD (S) will work out. <span style="color: rgb(44,47,52);font-size: 15px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">What will happen to their sitting and former legislators is not known,” he added.
<span style="color: rgb(44,47,52);font-size: 15px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">Minister for Large and Medium Industries M.B. Patil stated the alliance is left to them. “We will not have an alliance with any party. Like how we contested in Assembly elections and won 135 seats, I confidently claim that the Congress is going to win at least 20 seats. The tally will only go higher.
<span style="color: rgb(44,47,52);font-size: 15px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">The alliance of BJP and JD(S) will help the Congress. There is the letter ‘S’ which stands for secular in the JD(S) party. The people will understand and take a call, he stated.
<span style="color: rgb(44,47,52);font-size: 15px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">—IANS

Merger with JD(S) for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections will strengthen BJP in Karnataka, former chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa said

Merger with JD(S) will strengthen BJP in K’taka, says Yediyurappa; JD(S) will cease to exist says DyCM Shivakumar

Bengaluru: Karnataka BJP unit on Friday staged a state-wide protest against “failure” of the Congress government to prevent farmers’ suicides, alleged corruption and various other issues.
Former chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa was leading the protests inside the premises of the Freedom Park in Bengaluru. Former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai, D.V. Sadananda Gowda, former deputy chief minister M.R Ashoka and other prominent leaders participated in the protest making a show of strength. The party cadres were seen in high spirits following the show of unity by the leadership.&nbsp;
Many party leaders have openly expressed their opinion that if BJP wants to revive its chances, Yediyurappa should be brought to the forefront.
Yediyurappa addressing the protestors said that the government which came to power by promising guarantees has cheated the people and has failed in every sector.
He said that BJP will launch protests in future as well.
He said that the farmers are not given three phase electricity for seven hours. In rural areas only three hours of electricity is given. The farmers are distraught following the failure of rains.
He said that the people are cursing for bringing the Congress government to power and want it to go. The government is not bothered about suicides of farmers.
“There are more suicides for compensation. This is irresponsibility,” he said.
Bommai said that Yediyurappa is unquestionable leader and under his leadership the bugle of protest has been sounded against the government. “We will reach out to all houses in the state and we have taken a pledge to bring back the government at the Centre,” he said.
He said that the production of electricity has been reduced and from November the state will plunge into the darkness. “The guarantee schemes are mired in corruption. Congress leaders themselves are claiming that the government is indulged in corruption. People are being arrested for petty matters. The police officers should act according to laws and rules,” Bommai said.
He said that the state government has failed completely in managing the Cauvery dispute and betrayed people. “172 farmers have committed suicides in the last three months. Does any farmer commit suicide for compensation?” Bommai said.
The protest was staged in all district and taluk headquarters of the state.&nbsp;
—IANS

Karnataka BJP unit on Friday staged a state-wide protest against “failure” of the Congress government to prevent farmers’ suicides

K'taka BJP protests against government's "failure" to prevent farmers' suicides

Bengaluru: Merger with JD(S) for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections will strengthen BJP in Karnataka, former chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa said on Friday.
Meanwhile, denouncing the arrangement, DyCM D.K. Shivakumar maintained that it cannot not be said whether the JD(S) will exist in the coming days.
Speaking to reporters at the Freedom Park, the former CM stated that he welcomed the alliance of BJP and JD(S). With the alliance, it is possible to win more seats. Talks are on in New Delhi in this regard.
JD(S) top leader and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda had held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The leaders of both the parties have agreed. "Amit Shah has agreed to give four MP seats to JD(S). Hence, BJP will allow JD(S) to contest in four MP seats and it will contest in the rest of the seats,” Yediyurappa stated.
“I welcome the alliance. This will help us to win more seats. I have confidence that the alliance will emerge victorious in 25 to 26 seats (total 28 seats),” he stated.
Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai welcomed the alliance and stated that opposition unity is the need of the hour. The alliance is made to save Karnataka. The Opposition parties have come together naturally. There is a need
for this to save the state.
BJP Karnataka President Nalin Kumar Kateel stated that the party is preparing to win all 28 MP seats. There will be more clarity in future. The discussion has started between JD (S) and BJP and discussion is on to strategise for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Reacting to it, Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha called Yediyurappa an "unquestionable" leader in Karnataka and brought the party to power twice.
The central leadership had communicated to him about the merger and the decisions would be taken in the interest of the party and all would abide by them.
Former BJP minister C.P. Yogeshwar has stated that JD (S) will join the NDA alliance. The alliance will trounce the Congress. The feelings of ground level workers are felt by the central leadership.
Reacting to the development, the DyCM maintained that following the development, he doesn’t know whether the JD (S) party will exist or cease to exist. “I don’t know how the ideology of JD (S) will work out.
What will happen to their sitting and former legislators is not known,” he added.
Minister for Large and Medium Industries M.B. Patil stated the alliance is left to them. “We will not have an alliance with any party. Like how we contested in Assembly elections and won 135 seats, I confidently claim that the Congress is going to win at least 20 seats. The tally will only go higher.
The alliance of BJP and JD(S) will help the Congress. There is the letter ‘S’ which stands for secular in the JD(S) party. The people will understand and take a call, he stated.
— IANS

Merger with JD(S) for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections will strengthen BJP in Karnataka, former chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa 

Bengaluru (Karnataka): BJP senior leader and former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Friday said that the Karnataka Police has filed a case against him for sexual assault. Reacting to allegations of sexual assault against him in the police FIR, Yediyurappa claimed that a few days ago, a "distressed woman seeking help" came to his house and he had "brought the matter to the attention of the police".
Following this, the BJP leader said later the woman started to talk against him. The 81-year-old veteran leader said, "A few days ago a woman came to our house, she was crying that there was some problem, I asked what is the matter, and she said that there was some problem, I called the police commissioner about this and told him to fix her problem, then she started talking against me". "I have brought this matter to the attention of the police commissioner, yesterday they filed a complaint against me in the police station, let's see what happens next, it cannot be said that there is a political motive behind this," he said.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/former-karnataka-cm-yediyurappa-booked-under-pocso-for-alleged-sexual-assault-of-minor-girl" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/former-karnataka-cm-yediyurappa-booked-under-pocso-for-alleged-sexual-assault-of-minor-girl</a>&nbsp;
Earlier, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara termed it is a "sensitive matter" and said that an "investigation is on". He also said that the police would "offer protection" to the "distressed woman".
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Friday, Parameshwara said, "Last night around 10 pm, a lady registered a complaint against BS Yediyurappa. Police have registered the case. The investigation is on. Until we know the truth, we can't reveal anything. This is a sensitive thing as it involves a former CM". Replying to a query, the state home minister said, "I don't think there is any political angle to this. We all do not know the lady. We do not know anything about it. Let us see and wait what the outcome of the case is". "If the distressed woman needs protection, then it will be given," he said. Yediyurappa faces an FIR under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO). The FIR has been filed against the former CM for allegedly assaulting a minor girl. As per the FIR, the alleged offence took place on February 2 in Bengaluru and the FIR was filed by a police station in the city. Based on the complaint filed by the victim, the police registered a case under POCSO and 354 (A) against Yediyurappa. The FIR alleges that the girl was sexually harassed when she went to seek help on February 2. The victim had sought help in a case related to another alleged sexual assault on her. Based on the complaint by the mother of the victim, the senior BJP leader was booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) and 354 (A) of the Indian Penal Code.
—ANI

BJP leader BS Yediyurappa is under investigation for sexual assault allegations involving a minor, filed by Karnataka Police. 

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