BJP in touch with me on my return: BSY

Bangalore, July 12: In what can be described as a desperate attempt to strengthen its strong hold in the South Indian politics, it seems that Bharatiya Janata Party (

) has left with no option but to welcome former BJP leader and

Janatha Paksha (KJP) chief BS Yeddyurappa in its party.

The impending move comes after Yeddyurappa on Thursday, July 11 indicated he is not averse to return to BJP as he admitted publicly for the first time that he and some senior national BJP leaders had discussed his homecoming.

The Lingayat strongman has reportedly no qualms in merging his KJP party with the BJP, if the latter is ready to make him the leader of the opposition in the Karnataka assembly.

The former BJP strongman, however, said he would take an "appropriate decision at the appropriate time".

He told a news agency, "I have already received many such types of communication from BJP President Rajnath Singh and other senior leaders (on his return). I haven't come to any decision. I will discuss it with my colleagues and arrive at a decision."

The talks for a possible merger between BJP and KJP are on for the past few weeks within a section of both the parties for the return of Yeddyurappa, whose party secured 10 per cent vote share in the state's May Assembly polls.

However, veteran BJP leader, LK Advani and Karnataka leader Ananth Kumar are not too keen on Yeddyurappa's return.

On being asked who took the initiative, BSY said , "The question of who makes the first move does not arise." Asked whether he would be happy to rejoin BJP, he said, "I have not come to any decision."

He further said, "I have not received any formal or official communication from the BJP on my return."

Even after biting the dust in the May assembly polls, Yeddyurappa looks quite confident about his party's future. He reportedly said, "The question of aligning with any other party does not arise and KJP wants to keep its separate identity. After all, we have secured more than ten per cent of votes . There is also no question of joining Congress."

At present, JD(S) leader and former CM HD Kumaraswamy is the leader of the opposition in Karnataka after his party managed to secure 40 seats in the last assembly polls.

On being asked about Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's elevation as the campaign committee chief, Yeddyurappa said he is the "tallest" leader and about 60 per cent of the people appreciate his leadership.

"Not only Yeddyurappa, people all across the country want to see him as the Prime Minister," he said.

OneIndia News
(With PTI inputs)