BANGALORE: The Karnataka BJPs Operation Lotus - as some critics dub it - aimed at luring opposition legislators boomer- anged on Thursday with some of its MLAs revolting against the leaderships reported decision to drop a minister to make room for a defector.

The move to sacrifice horticulture minister KS Bellubbi, a long-time BJP loyalist, to accommodate Umesh Katti, who crossed over to the party from the Janata Dal (S) only three days ago, has raised the hackles and the first major revolt in less than three months after the saffron flock took power.

After winning 110 seats in the 224-strong assembly in the recent assembly elections, the party formed the government with the support of six independents on May 30. In the last one month, BJP successfully netted seven opposition MLAs, four from the JD(S) and three from the Congress. They have resigned from their seats, hoping to re-enter the assembly as BJP member by the by-election route. Chief minister BS Yeddyurapppa has already rewarded three of these defectors - Balachandra Jarkiholi, Shivanagouda Naik and Anand Asnotikar- with places in the ministry.

Discontent in the party against the pampering of new entrants simmered for some time and burst into the open on Thursday when the party showed the horticulture minister, representing Basavan Bagewadi in Bijapur district, the door to facilitate the entry of Umesh Katti.

Taking serious exception to the move, the entire BJP unit in Bijapur organisied bandhs in Basavana Bagewadi, Kolhara and other towns in the district. Several party leaders from the district including MLAs Sarvabouma Bagali (Indi) and Ramesh Busanur (Sindhagi) left for Delhi on Thursday to convey their resentment against the injustice being meted out to loyal partymen.

"We will meet the partys national president Rajnath Singh and discuss the happenings in the party," Busanur told DNA.

The rebellion in Bijapur has received wide support among the ranks as the long-time loyalists see a grave threat to the partys image, even as efforts continue to woo more legislators from opposition parties.

Trying to play down the dissidence within the party, Yeddyurappa told the media that Bellubbi had agreed to make "any sacrifice" in the interests of the party. "He will be given a suitable post befitting his stature," he added.

For the record, the man at the centre of the controversy, Bellubbi merely said he would abide by the partys directions, adding, apparently under pressure from the partys top honchos, that he had not received any "official communication" asking him to resign from the ministry.

The opponents of Operation Lotus are hoping that Rajnath Singh will intervene to ensure justice for loyalists.
Source : DNA