DAVANAGERE/MYSURU: The state BJP core committee, the highest decision-making body of the party’s Karnataka unit, has reportedly given a green signal to former chief minister BS Yediyurappa’s proposed state tour after monsoon session of the legislature, albeit with some riders.
At the committee meeting held in Davanagere on Saturday, it was decided to involve all senior BJP functionaries in the tour to ensure it’s a party event and not Yediyurappa’s individual show. The meeting authorised Yediyurappa and state BJP president Nalin Kumar Kateel to jointly chalk out the dates, route and other details.
On Thursday, Yediyurappa had created some confusion in party circles, stating he would undertake the state tour along with Kateel after the session ends on September 24. He had also claimed the purpose of it is to strengthen the party and prepare the cadre for the 2023 assembly polls.
However, Yediyurappa changed tack on Saturday, saying he has already launched the tour from Mysuru. “I have already visited Mysuru and will continue to tour other districts after the legislature session,’’ he said, indicating he is not happy about involving state party functionaries.
At the meeting, some senior functionaries are said to have expressed concern about the tour, stating it may turn into an individual event. Later, it was decided that Kateel will accompany Yediyurappa throughout the tour, while others functionaries will join them in their respective districts/regions.
The meeting also decided to give wider publicity to programmes of the central and state governments, especially those aimed at welfare of farmers and rural population.
Earlier in the day, BJP national general secretary incharge of Karnataka Arun Singh said Yediyurappa is a tall leader and he doesn't need the party’s green signal.
The BJP state executive meeting which began on Saturday will take crucial decisions on strengthening the party from the grassroots level and strategy for upcoming polls, chief minister Basavaraj Bommai said. “Several current issues will also be discussed,” he added.
