BJP votes 'secretly' to choose new Karnataka CM

Bangalore, Aug 3: Looks like the BJP is still undecided on their choice of CM and when discussions have failed, they have decided on go the democratic way of voting to ascertain their choice for the top job. A total of 121 BJP MLAs from Karnataka have finished voting by secret ballot to choose the state leader at Bangalore's Capitol Hotel. The results are awaited.

The voting is being held under the watchful eyes of top BJP leaders, Arun Jaitley and Rajnath Singh who had arrived from Delhi to oversee the political developments in Karnataka. While several names were floated earlier, the two frontrunners for the CM's job is Yeddyurappa's choice Sadananda Gowda and the choice of the Ananth Kumar camp who is Jagadish Shettar.

With the MLAs arriving in hoards to choose their CM, there was loud cheers from the Yeddyurappa camp that claims the support of 70 MLA's. The Ananth Kumar camp on the other hand claims a support base of 50.

There were differences of opinion in the way the voting needs to be done as well. The Yeddyurappa camp wanted open voting with the Ananth Kumar gang seeking a secret ballot. With hectic parleys by both parties with the central leadership to coax them to choose their choice for the top job, the final name that emerges out of the voting is eagerly awaited.

The Karnataka Home Minister, R Ashok speaking on his choice said, "Central leaders have taken the opinion of both sides. First we thought of myself, Eshwarappa and Jagadish Shettar. After that we sat and talked - along with Ananth Kumar - and we believe it will be Jagadish Shettar." He further added, "ultimately it is the MLAs who will decide."

OneIndia News