Action against loyalists 'vindictive', says BS Yeddyurappa

HAVERI: Former BJP Karnataka strongman B S Yeddyurappa today described as "vindictive" the party leadership's sacking of his loyalist and Cooperative Minister B J Puttaswamy from the ministry and suspension of Tumkur MP G S Basavaraj.

He dared BJP to dissolve the state assembly and face the people's mandate "if they have faith in democratic values".

Yeddyurappa said BJP was under the impression that such action against his loyalists could dissuade others from supporting him and added "the number of those attending tomorrow's Karnataka Janata party rally will increase by at least 50,000".

Puttaswamy said he had no regrets in being dismissed from the ministry but did not approve the method opted by Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar.

"Had he asked me, I would have resigned voluntarily. I will continue to be a supporter of Yeddyurappa forever", he said.

Basavaraj too welcomed the party action.