Launching a counter-offensive against B.S. Yeddyurappa, ruling BJP in Karnataka today sought disqualification of 12 party MLAs loyal to him for “anti-party activities” as Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar sounded confident of riding over the storm.

A petition signed by two BJP MLAs – Beluru Gopalakrishna and M.V. Nagaraju – was submitted to the Speaker’s office praying for disqualification of 12 MLAs who, it said, had indulged in anti-party activities and were attempting to topple the government under pressure (from Yeddyurappa).

A CD and documents in support of their claim of “anti-party activities” were submitted to Assembly Secretary P. Omprakasha, in the absence of Speaker K.G. Bopaiah, away in his home town Madikeri, Gopalakrishna told reporters.

Shettar got full backing of the party central leadership today during his visit to New Delhi to congratulate new BJP President Rajnath Singh, who expressed total confidence in his leadership.

The Chief Minister said there was no threat to his government and he would present the budget on February 8, which the KJP is keen to scuttle to deny any advantage to the BJP ahead of the Assembly polls due in May.

Yeddyurappa, meanwhile, said he has no intention to topple the Shettar Ministry and indicated he is not averse to presentation of budget. “Our aim is not to topple the Government,” Yeddyurappa, who quit the BJP nearly two months ago, told reporters here.

Referring to 13 BJP MLAs who wanted to resign, Yeddyurappa said they are joining the KJP to strengthen it as the elections are approaching fast. “The intention of these MLAs is not to topple the government,” he said.

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