Slamming the Centre for its crackdown on Yoga guru Baba Ramdev’s agitation against corruption, the BJP government in Karnataka has decided to pass a resolution in the State Assembly condemning the government action.
“A resolution condemning the Government action against Baba Ramdev (will be passed)”, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa told reporters in Bangalore.
Mr. Yeddyurappa termed the eviction of Ramdev and police action on the gathering at Ramlila grounds as "anti-democratic”.
Mr. Yeddyurappa also set himself a three-month deadline for giving his government a makeover following concern expressed by senior BJP leader L K Advani over the dent in the party’s image in Karnataka following a spate of allegations against it.
“I have decided to refurbish the image of my government and also the party by implementing various measures within three months”, Mr. Yeddyurappa said when his attention was drawn to the comments by his party’s veteran leader.
Mr. Advani had said on Sunday that he was “not happy with what is happening” in Karnataka following corruption charges against the ruling BJP, especially in relation to the mining sector.
“Mr. Advani is one of the senior most leaders of our party. He has given several suggestions to improve the image of the party and the Government. This he has done keeping in mind the interests of the party,” Mr. Yeddyurappa said seeking to downplay the remarks.
He said he would also discuss the programs to be initiated to enhance the image of the party and the government with his ministerial colleagues.
The ruling BJP has been holding the extended budget session of state legislatures from June two amid boycott by opposition Congress and JDS which have been demanding resignation of Mr. Yeddyurappa and Assembly Speaker K G Bopaiah in view of the strictures passed by the Supreme Court while quashing disqualification of 16 MLAs including 11 BJP rebels.
Mr. Yeddyurappa said he would consult his ministerial colleagues on adjourning the both houses of legislature ahead of the June 15 schedule in the backdrop of opposition firm on staying away from the session.
