Time up for Yeddyurappa?

Although the Karnataka Chief Minister, B S Yeddyurappa, is likely to get down from CM chair as the Lokayukta report clearly indicts him in the mining scam, he seems to be too reluctant to leave the office. If things move beyond his reach after Lokayuktha Justice Santosh Hegde officially submits his final report on Wednesday, he may demand for the dissolution of assembly and face fresh mid-term polls.

Right from the beginning of his government, Yeddyurappa has been facing attacks from three corners: opposition, the governor, and the rebels - his own party-men. He, however, managed to overcome all such threats so far, thanks to back up from BJP high-command, particularly from BJP national president Nitin Gadkari. But this time around, he himself is not confident as the leaked Lokayuktha report clearly indicates his hand in illegal mining and the BJP high-command is seriously considering the possibility of change in leadership. In fact, the leadership is also divided in the matter. L K Advani openly expressed his displeasure about Yeddyurappa and now Shantha Kumar, vice president of BJP, has also written a letter to Gadkari and Advani demanding change in leadership.

The general thinking in the party is that allowing the CM to continue in power may weaken the party not only in Karnataka, but also all across India. Moreover, it will give a solid reasons to opposition to accuse it of its double standards.

But Yeddyurappa also said he would meet the BJP's national leaders in Delhi once he sees the Lokayukta's report on the mining scam which will officially be submitted on Wednesday. "I will continue to be the chief minister for the next two years and BJP will be in power for the next 20 years. After getting the report I'll go to Delhi to meet Sushma Swaraj," he said in an interaction with media representatives.

If Yeddyurappa is removed from the post, Rural Development Minister Jagadish Shettar is front runner to succeed him. Like Yeddyurappa, Jagadish Shettar also belongs to Lingayath community. But Yeddyurappa is certainly going to oppose Shettar's appointment. So Yeddyurappa may refer his close aide power minister Shobha Karandlaje or higher education minister V S Acharya as his successor. However, the BJP MLA's, those who are in anti Yeddyurappa camp, have already opposed this move. Law minister Sueresh Kumar's name is also in the list. He is close to the RSS and has a good reputation too.

With the Hedge report to be submitted on Wednesday, a clear picture about the Karnataka's next chief minister may come out on Thursday.