Jagadish Shettar on Saturday said he would continue to be the leader of the BJP Legislature Party even after the merger of Karnataka Janata Paksha with the BJP.
Speaking to presspersons here ahead of meeting the Speaker to convey the party’s decision to get the KJP into its fold, Mr. Shettar said he would also become Leader of the Opposition after the merger since the BJP’s strength would increase to 44 from 40.
To a question whether Mr. Yeddyurappa would be made the leader of the BJP Legislature Party and be given the post of Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Shettar said Mr. Yeddyurappa could not be made the leader without following the due process.
The legislature party has to meet and elect its leader afresh and that depends upon senior party leaders, he said.
Asked whether the BSR Congress, would merge with the BJP, Mr. Shettar said the talks were on with party president B. Sriramulu.
The BJP has an open mind towards the merger, Mr. Shettar said.
BSR Congress has four members, including Mr. Sriramulu from Bellary, T.H. Suresh Babu from Kampli, S. Thippeswamy from Molakalmuru and P. Rajeev from Kudachi.
