Karnataka crisis: All eyes on key BJP meet

Vicky Nanjappa tracks the latest developments as BJP leaders try to resolve the party's growing crisis in Karnataka.

There appears to be no solution in sight to the ongoing crisis in the Karnataka unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party with the Reddy brothers  -- comprising state Tourism Minister G Janardhan Reddy and Revenue Minister G Karunakara Reddy, who are spearheading a faction to oust BS Yeddyurappa from the CM's chair -- refusing to settle for anything less than a leadership change in the state.

Janardhan Reddy, who arrived in New Delhi on Monday, held talks with senior party leaders Ananth Kumar and Arun Jaitley.

After the meeting, Reddy told media persons that they will not compromise on their stand and added that a leadership change is required for a better Karnataka.

Stating that he is just the voice of several legislators, Reddy said: "I have placed before the high command the views of the MLAs and also given an in depth analysis of (chief minister) B S Yeddyurappa's performance in the past 16 months. I have placed my demands before the high command and it is now up to them to decide. I expect a positive outcome and hope that the high command will take note of our demands."

The Reddy brothers were, however, in for a rude shock when their most trusted leader, Sushma Swaraj, told them in clear terms that they should not fight this battle revolving around a leadership change.

Janardhan Reddy said he had discussed the issue with Sushma, whom he addresses as his mother. "I am sure that she would take the right decision," he said. However, sources told rediff.com that Sushma too was firm on the stand that a compromise formula has to be worked out and that there cannot be any leadership change.

Jaitley, who has been in the midst of things, said it was just a matter of time before the problem is solved. We have heard all the parties and the high command will take a final decision very soon. He said adding that the charges against Ananth Kumar -- that he had engineered this crisis -- were false.

Meanwhile, an all-important meeting of the Karnataka BJP leadership will be held in some time with L K Advani. This is considered to be the final meeting of the warring faction following which the high command will take a final call on what is to be done.

Meanwhile, in Karnataka, Chief Minister Yeddyurappa said he is hopeful that the problem will be resolved. "I don't think I will be going to Delhi. I have spoken to almost all senior leaders in Delhi and they have told me to focus on relief work and not worry about the crisis," he said.

Even as the BJP tries to work out a solution to the crisis, the Reddy faction still continues to gather MLAs on their side.

B Sriramulu, who is considered to be the fourth brother of the Reddys, has reportedly convinced 8 more MLAs to join their side and has flown them to Hyderabad, sources said.