Bangalore:
The BJP high command's compromise formula for Karnataka's BJP government came into play with the resignation of Shobha Karandlaje, the minister whose exit was right on top of the demands of the rebelling Bellary brothers. In an exclusive interview to NDTV's Vasanthi Hariprakash, the woman believed to be Chief Minister Yeddyurappa's close confidante, says she is a woman wronged.
When asked if she resigned on her own, Shobha said, "My party elders asked me to, so I have resigned. I am just an ordinary social worker," she says.
And why did the Reddy brothers allege that she interfered in their functioning? "I have been asking this question to everyone. What mistake did I do? Was I inefficient? I am sorry to say I have got no answer till now and so I am very unhappy. I will now go to the flood-affected areas of north Karnataka and continue my work as a social worker. I have an MSW," she said.
Shobha's resignation was accepted on Monday by the CM.
In a late night press conference on Sunday, Yeddyurappa had said that no minister would be dropped from his Cabinet, triggering questions about his protégé, Shoba Karandlaje, whom the rebels wanted to go.
The BJP has announced on Sunday that its Karnataka crisis was finally over.
Yeddyurappa met one of the rebel Reddy brothers for the first time on Sunday, at Sushma Swaraj's residence in New Delhi, since the crisis began.
A compromise formula was worked out and the Reddy brothers accepted the new formula according to which a coordination committee would be formed to discuss all issues. Yeddyurappa and Janardan Reddy would be part of the panel.
The formula apparently undermined the authority of the chief minister.
Also, Yeddyurappa has been advised to take along everyone with him. Reddy brothers' demand for restoring District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police of Bellary will also be considered.
However, Jagdish Shettar will remain the Speaker, he may be inducted into the Cabinet later.
The rebel brothers had been demanding a change of leadership in the state but the central leadership did not accept that.
"I am grateful to national leadership, we have resolved all issues and will ensure such issues don't arise in the future," the chief minister said.
The BJP on Sunday said the crisis had been resolved peacefully and that Yeddyurappa and the Reddy brothers had agreed to work together.
"Karnataka issue is resolved peacefully," said a visibly happy Sushma Swaraj.
Speaking to mediapersons after the meeting, Sushma Swaraj said that Yeddyurappa and Reddy brothers would work together like brothers.