Yeddyurappa looks at BJP high command for 'justice'

Relieved by the Karnataka high court order quashing the FIR against him in an illegal mining case, B S Yeddyurappa on Wednesday pinned hopes on the Bharatiya Janata Party central leadership to render "justice" to him, indicating a renewed bid for his reinstatement as chief minister.

"Satyameva Jayate. By the blessings of the God and people, I have got justice from court. I always held judiciary in high esteem," a beaming Yeddyurappa told reporters outside his residence here before heading to a temple to offer puja.

"I am not going to ask for anything. It is left to the high command to decide. I have 100 per cent trust in my party leadership that they will do justice to me," Yeddyurappa, who was axed from chief ministership on July 31 last in the wake of his indictment by the Lokayukta report, said.

The high court verdict quashing the FIR based on the Lokayukta report on illegal mining by then anti-corruption ombudsman Santosh Hegde is expected to spur Yeddyurappa to renew his bid to stage a comeback.

Yeddyurappa had suffered a setback in his recent attempt to get a position when party chief Nitin Gadkari rebuffed him and indicated he has to come clean of the corruption charges.

The 70-year-old Lingayat leader, however, ruled out visiting Delhi to stake claim for a post. Yeddyurappa declined to name those who he alleged conspired to ensure that his name figured in the Lokayukta report. "I don't want to name anyone now".

Soon after the court pronounced verdict also quashing chapter 22 of the Lokayukta report which had extensively dealt on Yeddyurappa's role in illegal mining, some of his supporters rushed to his house and greeted him. BJP Karnataka unit expressed delight over the high court order.

"It (HC order) has brought us happiness," party spokesman and one of the state general secretaries, C T Ravi told reporters.

Asked if Yeddyurappa would return as chief minister following the court verdict, Ravi said the party would abide by any decision taken by the BJP Central Parliamentary Board in the interest of the party and the state.

He said Yeddyurappa would campaign in Udupi-Chikamagalur Lok Sabha constituency, which goes to bypoll on March 18, adding, the BJP was confident of winning it.

While B S Yeddyurappa and his followers rejoiced after getting relief from the Karnataka high court on the mining report, Justice Santhosh Hegde -- the man who prepared the report -- said he was disappointed.

Justice Hegde told rediff.com that he was told that the high court in its judgment said that he violated the principles of natural justice in his report on illegal mining.

"This is their view and it can now only be challenged in the Supreme Court. My major grievance is that the high court has stopped all investigations into illegal mining." "The high court has also said that investigating into Yeddyurappa's dealings with a mining company is out of my jurisdiction, I do not agree with this," Hegde added.