New Delhi:
Even as the Opposition demands his resignation, Karnataka Chief Minister believes the real enemy lies within. So he has sent a note to top BJP leaders accusing party general secretary Ananth Kumar of trying to destabilise his government in the state.
The Opposition has produced new documents to support its claim that Yeddyurappa provided prime property at bargain basement prices to his family members, and companies that they were associated with over the past few years. In each case, the land had allegedly been acquired by the government at lower-than market rates because it was to be used for public projects. (
Read: My sons & I have done no wrong, says Yeddyurappa)
Sources tell NDTV that Yeddyurappa has called for a cabinet meeting on Thursday. The cabinet is likely to reccomend a judicial probe into the matter, headed by a retired Supreme Court judge.
The accusations that Yeddyurappa misused his public office for a series of such land deals have been led by arch rival and former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy. His singular focus on the issue provoked a rebellion within the BJP last month, forcing the chief minister to force two votes of confidence.
"He has no moral right to continue because he has taken several illegal decisions in the name of denotification to favour his family members. It is not a question of Adarsh apartment issue in Maharashtra or Karnataka, this is a question of misusing more than Rs 5000-6000 crore land scam," Kumaraswamy said.
He also expressed "surprise" over BJP high command accepting Yeddyurappa's explanation on the issue.
But the Karnataka Chief Minister is battling the enemy within his own party.
NDTV has learnt that the Karnataka Chief Minister has, in his note, complained that Ananth Kumar-led faction is trying to destabilise the BJP government, and are working to evict him. They are using the Opposition's tirade to make another Jagdish Shettar the Chief Minister.
Yeddyurappa wants action against Kumar for anti-party activities, sources said.
The RSS and the BJP have, however, ruled out any change in the leadership.