The former Chief Minister of Karnataka, Mr B. S. Yeddurappa, today said he would lead an agitation at Bidar on January 24, to press for the implementation of amendment to Article 371, enabling North Karnataka get special status.
“I will visit Bidar on January 24 to lead an agitation for according special status to the backward North Karnataka region,” he told reporters here.
Describing himself as a “disciplined party worker,” he said he has embarked on a State-wide tour today to meet supporters and that he would convey his stand on remaining in the party after Sankranthi festival which falls on January 15.
Mr Yeddyurappa has been lobbying for a suitable position ever since he was removed from the post of Chief Minister in August last year on corruption charges, and has said he will wait till January 15 for the BJP high command to take a decision on his demand. He was made to quit by the central leadership after he was indicted in the Lokayukta report on illegal mining and replaced by, Mr D. V. Sadananda Gowda.
He declined to comment on a query about reported remarks of other leaders in BJP party affairs.
“People are expressing their happiness on the good work done during my tenure as Chief Minister for development of the State,” he said.
Mr Yeddyurappa also came down heavily on Opposition Congress for not supporting his developmental programmes and slammed the Centre for not clearing power projects to overcome the power crisis in the State.
“I will visit Bidar on January 24 to lead an agitation for according special status to the backward North Karnataka region,” said Mr Yeddyurappa.