The BJP is likely to announce an end to the Karnataka crisis on Friday, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa said on Thursday. The announcement will come at a press conference likely to be attended by the Chief Minister as well as leaders from the rebel camp, besides the central leadership.

Yeddyurappa told The Indian Express: “Ninety-nine per cent of the problems have been sorted out; the central leadership has played a key role in this.” The top leadership held a series of meetings on Thursday with both camps to sort out the differences.

Sources in the party said while Yeddyurappa will stay on as the CM, the compromise formula entails a ministerial berth for Speaker Jagadish Shettar. Asked if Home Minister V S Acharya will be replaced by Shettar, Yeddyurappa answered in the negative. “Acharya shall not be removed under any circumstances,” he said. Acharya is Yeddyurappa’s closest aide in the Cabinet. Shettar, who like Yeddyurappa is a Lingayat leader, has so far stuck to his decision to turn down a Cabinet berth — offered by the CM earlier.

The formula also includes removal of Shobha Karandlaje, a Yeddyurappa confidante, and a key minister. A Vokkaliga leader, Shobha has been charged by the rebel camp with “interfering in other ministries, including the Tourism and Revenue ministries” — held by Janardhan Reddy and Karunakar Reddy, respectively. Janardhan Reddy, in his discussions

with central leaders, has repeatedly complained about her interference.

The formula would also entail transfer of V P Baligar, principal secretary to the CM, who has been charged with “making the CM inaccessible to party legislators”.

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