Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa on Sunday took on Governor H.R. Bhardwaj alleging that he was trying to throw BJP out of power and install a Congress government in the State.
Mr. Yeddyurappa, who arrived here, said he was trying to meet Home Minister P. Chidambaram and explain what was happening in the State, including the Governor giving sanction to prosecute him for alleged land scams.
“I want to meet Chidambaram. I want to explain everything. Can we tolerate all these things (Governor giving sanction for prosecution)? This is an insult to the people of Karnataka, this is an insult to the Chief Minister and an insult to the democratic system,” he said.
He said senior BJP leaders and MPs will meet President Pratibha Patil on Monday and raise the issue with her.
Slamming Mr. Bhardwaj, Mr. Yeddyurappa said, “This is not the first time he is doing something. As soon as he took over as the Governor... he is (acting like) a Congressman even today."
“He wanted BJP to go and Congress to come to rule. That responsibility he might have taken,” the Chief Minister said.
When it was pointed out that Mr. Chidambaram had criticised BJP for its attack on the Governor, he said, “I have great respect for Chidambaram. He may not be aware of the facts. I am trying to meet him and explain all these things.”
He also refused to comment on BJP chief Nitin Gadkari’s remarks that the controversial land allotment made by him was not an “illegal act” even though denotifying land in favour of his son was “immoral” and “not proper”.
