KJP meeting soon: Amid mixed voices, Yeddyurappa mulls returning to BJP

NEW DELHI: Former Karnataka CM BS Yeddyurappa has called a meeting of his Karnataka Janata Party ( KJP) on Thursday to take a final decision on his return to the BJP.


A leader close to him told ET on Wednesday that the meeting was called to discuss with the party members the proposal to join BJP and the party’s future political strategy. They said while some in the KJP were in favour of merging with the BJP, others had reservations about such a move.

However, BJP sources said Yeddyurappa was likely to return to the saffron party on its terms. There were indications that Yeddyurappa may review his decision of snapping ties with the BJP if Narendra Modi was projected as the Prime Ministerial candidate. Modi is expected to address a rally in the state in August.

ABJP leader said there was pressure from within the party and the KJP for the merger but it was up to Yeddyurappa to make the first move. “Let him say first,” said BJP general secretary in charge of Karnataka Thawarchand Gehlot said.

Meanwhile, a delegation of BJP leaders from the state, including Sadananda Gowda, is said to have told the central leaders to take back the Lingayat leader into the party fold.