The former Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa visited ‘Hindu Shakti Sangam', the three-day camp for Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) volunteers, here on Sunday and held a brief discussion with RSS sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat, ending speculation over his participation in the event.
Although Mr. Yeddyurappa was supposed visit the camp on the second day, his change of plan, reportedly following the visit of the BJP general secretary Ananth Kumar and BJP State unit president K.S. Eshwarappa and other leaders to the venue on that day, had led to speculation.
A section of the media had reported that the group opposed to Mr. Yeddyurappa was trying to keep the former Chief Minister away from Hindu Shakti Sangam. However, his visit to the camp on Sunday put to rest speculation.
Mr. Yeddyurappa, who arrived here dressed in ‘gana vesha' early in the morning, held a closed-door meeting with Mr. Bhagwat and other RSS functionaries.
Mr. Yeddyurappa told presspersons later that he had come here as a volunteer of the RSS to seek the blessings of Mr. Bhagwat, and nothing more should be read into the meeting.
He said his growth as a political leader was because of his association with the RSS.
To a question, he said there should be no doubt about D.V. Sadananda Gowda presenting the upcoming State Budget. “Mr. Gowda will present the budget. I will just give him some suggestions,” he said.
Refuting reports about growing dissidence in the State unit of the party, he said his Statewide tour was aimed at only strengthening the party. “After the legislature session, other leaders of the party will join me in the tour,” he said.
Speaking to presspersons on the sideline of a function in Dharwad, Mr. Yeddyurappa said he would concentrate on strengthening the party organisation ahead of the next Assembly elections.
Mr. Yeddyurappa maintained political developments in the State were not discussed in the meeting he held with RSS functionaries.
He criticised Congress leaders, including G. Parameshwara and Siddaramaiah, for criticising the BJP Government only for the sake of it.
