Yeddyurappa firm on launching new party, to quit by Dec 10

Bangalore, Nov 6: Former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa today remained firm on his resolve to float a new political outfit and his exit from

.

"There is no change in my decision to leave BJP. I will formally announce the launch of my new party at a convention in Haveri on Dec 10. Before that, I will resign from BJP and my assembly membership," he told reporters ahead of a luncheon meeting of his supporters at his Dollar colony residence.

The sulking Lingayat leader also ruled out any rapprochement with BJP and dismissed reports that he would remain in the party heeding to calls by his party central leadership.

"I am not aware of the visit by BJP General Secretary Dharmendra Pradhan to persuade me not to quit," he said, virtually shutting doors on negotiations.

Yeddyurappa said he would not force anyone including ministers and MLAs to join his party. "It is left to them to decide. If anyone feels that they are comfortable to join me, they may come. I am banking on the support of people".

Yeddyurappa sought to play down the luncheon meeting hosted by him.

"I have not called any formal meeting. It is also not a show of strength as being projected by media, some of my supporters wanted to meet me and they are coming to my house today."

However, he said today's meeting of his supporters would discuss on appointing V Dhananjaya Kumar as interim president of the new party.

The formal meeting of the new party is likely to be held on Nov 9.

Pradhan, who is arriving here this evening, is likely to meet ministers of the Jagadish Shettar ministry and MPs tomorrow to discuss ways to stop Yeddyurappa quitting BJP.

PTI