Congress MLA calls on BSY, sets off political buzz

BENGALURU : Speculation swirled after Congress MLA Laxmi Hebbalkar called on Karnataka ex-CM BS Yediyurappa of BJP at his Bengaluru residence in a surprise visit
Wednesday as the Belagavi Rural legislator is a known confidante of state Congress chief DK Shivakumar. The meeting has led to political interpretations. It is said that she met Yeddyurappa with a message from Shivakumar, though Hebbalkar has asked not to attest any political motive to the visit. “Yediyurappa is a senior leader of our community. This was a cordial visit. Since today is Guru Poornima, I met him to take his blessings. I sought his guidance on several aspects other than politics,” said Hebbalkar, who belongs to the Panchamsali sub-sect of Lingayats.
She said he intended reservation under the 2A category for Panchamasalis, but couldn’t do it due to political reasons. “However, we’re confident of getting the reservation soon,” she said. Yediyurappa, the tallest Lingayat leader, has been reportedly unhappy since the high command did not consider his proposal to make his son BY Vijayendra a minister in Bommai’s cabinet.
Shivakumar denied any knowledge of the meeting. The Congress leadership is going ham on wooing Lingayat voters. It has appointed MB Patil as its election campaign chairman and Eshwar Khandre as KPCC working president to reach out to the community.