Challenge for BSY, MPs gather around Karunakara

Master of pressure tactics BS Yeddyurappa may now be beaten at his own game. His challenger is none other than G Karunakara Reddy, brother of mining baron Janardhana Reddy, the beginner of “resort politics”.

Master of pressure tactics BS Yeddyurappa may now be beaten at his own game. His challenger is none other than G Karunakara Reddy, brother of mining baron Janardhana Reddy, the beginner of “resort politics”.

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Left out of the new cabinet, at least 21 MLAs are regrouping around Karunakara, brother of jailed MP Janardhana Reddy. The disgruntled MLAs were instrumental in Yeddyurappa’s recent success in installing Jagadish Shettar in the chief minister’s post.

Reddy’s followers had held protests over his non-inclusion in the new cabinet. On Monday, Reddy had secret meetings with the legislators, both at his home and in a posh hotel. “We have over 21 legislators and will reach a decision on July 18. We will convey our grievances to our leaders,” he said.

The dissidence has been snowballing over the weekend, with a dozen legislators meeting Reddy at his home on Saturday. The list of rebels includes Beluru Gopalakrishna, Suresh Gowda, MP Kumaraswamy and Lakshmana Savadi and CC Patil. Reddy’s brother Somashekhar Reddy and a few others from the Bellary belt are looking for more supporters.