By Firoz.T.Totanawala
The Bangalore Metro Reporter
TIME WILL TELL!
ILL TIMED SUSPENSION OF REDDY LOYALISTS MAY HIT BACK THE GOVERNMENT
The BJP has suspended MLAs - MLC and MPs supporting Sriramulu. Not that the suspension was unexpected, it is the timing of the action that has surprised many. The suspensions may be a warning signal to many more legislatures from the region not to venture supporting Sriramulu in the by-elections. The BJP President K.S.Eswarappa had earlier stated that the action will be initiated against BJP legislators after the elections. And all of a sudden, he has suspended three MLAs, one MLC and two MPs for supporting Sriramulu. The suspension is ill timed and may lead to a fall.
All the State BJP leaders including former CM Yedurappa are in Bellary with the sole aim of defeating Sriramulu, who is contesting as an Independent. Yedurappa who first refused to campaign was cajoled and he finally agreed. More than a dozen ministers are camping in Bellary to get Sriramulu defeated. The BJP leadership won’t mind if the Congress wins the seat instead, but Sriramulu’s defeat is their main aim and it is giving them nightmares. It is to be recalled that it was Sriramulu with Janardhana Reddy, who were mainly responsible for installing the first ever BJP government in South. It is another matter that Reddy Brothers have high influence in in Bellary region and consequently have more than two dozen loyalists who have become MLAs. Reddy Brothers candidates Shantha and Sanna Fakirappa also won the Loksabha seat from Bellary and Raichur. The Reddy Brothers have considerable hold and clout in adjoining districts as well.
So, when Sriramulu resigned from his Bellary seat and contested as independent, the BJP till the last minute tried to convince him to contest on BJP ticket. But when Sriramulu remained unmoved, BJP had to search for a suitable candidate. From then on started carrot and dagger policy towards legislators backing him.
The entire state BJP leadership has taken it as a prestige issue to defeat Sriramulu. The reluctant Yedurappa was also forced in to campaign for BJP candidate. In a way, the entire government is leaving no stone unturned to see that Sriramulu is defeated. The Congress on its part, have pressed an army of senior leaders to campaign for its candidate. KPSC President G.Parameshwar, opposition leader Siddaramaiah etc. are camping in Bellary. Their aim too is to defeat Sriramulu.
Compared to high velocity campaign of BJP and Congress, Sriramulu’s campaign is both hi-tech and down to earth. Along with Sriramulu, four BJP legislators and two MPs are also campaigning for him. They have cared two hoots for the warnings by their state leaders and continue to campaign for Sriramulu.
Of course, Sriramulu had time and again warned the BJP leaders not to condemn the Reddy Brothers who are now in difficulties. Had Janardhana Reddy got the bail, the entire scene would have been different, yet, Sriramulu is going ahead with his campaign. The legislators and MPs are sticking with him from day one.
And now for the interesting climax. After trying to belittle Sriramulu, the Reddy Brothers and their loyalists, the BJP has suspended three MLAs, one MLC and two MPs from the party as a warning to other Reddy Brother loyalists who were expected to make last minute entry to campaign for Sriramulu. None of the suspended legislators have showed any sign of shock. It seems that they were expecting the action. In fact they were suspended without even waiting for their reply to the show cause notice.
Now the stage is set for a final countdown. It is to be recalled that Janardhana Reddy who is in Hyderabad Jail has worked out a strategy to pull down the BJP government. It is no secret that the Reddy Brothers command not less than two dozen MLAs as their loyalists who are prepared to sink or swim with them. Sriramulu has established himself as a powerful leader. In fact Sriramulu’s resignation was a prelude to formation of a new regional party by the Reddy Brothers.
As on now, Sriramulu’s victory will hasten the process of the collapse of the BJP government in the state. If Janardhana Reddy gets bail, he will lead the revolt from the front. Already the Reddy Brothers and their camp is feeling betrayed by the BJP. Sriramulu’s victory will provide them with a shot in the arm. In Addition to the four legislators who have already distanced from BJP, one can expect more than a dozen MLAs bidding goodbye to BJP immediately after the by-election results or during the winter session of the Assembly.
As on now, BJP has 120 members including the speaker and one independent. With the suspension of three MLAs, the strength now is 117. If a dozen MLAs withdraw support, the government is bound to fall.
Whatsoever, the suspension of the Reddy Brothers’ loyalists should have been enforced post election, but the hurry has become the last nail in the coffin of the BJP government.
And that is all!
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