The Bharatiya Janata Party seems set to renew its association with mining baron G. Janardhan Reddy.
According to highly placed sources, party leaders feel that it would be useful for the organisation, especially in Ballari district where the Congress is trying to regain strength.
However, this time the party wants him to work on its terms, under the direction of the district unit rather than dictate terms as in the past. The party hopes that the court cases, attachment of properties, and the fact that the party is not in power in the State would force Mr. Reddy to lie low.
However, leaders admitted that it would be a tricky issue and may result in allegations that the party has compromised on corruption, and is pro-mining lobby.
At the same time, the party State unit feels that Mr. Reddy cannot be left out due to various reasons, including its dependence on his close aide B. Sriramulu in Ballari and neighbouring districts.
Technically, Mr. Reddy has to register afresh as a BJP member in the ongoing membership drive since the six-year membership term has expired.
Leaders close to Mr. Janardhan Reddy said that he has a strained relationship with his elder brother G. Karunakar Reddy. However, younger brother G. Somashekhar Reddy is said to be on his side.
Meanwhile, B.S. Yeddyurappa, former Chief Minister, told reporters in Raichur that it was left to Mr. Reddy to involve himself in party activities and also it would be the call of the party State president to decide on enlisting his services to the party.
