In first directive as BJP chief, Rajnath tells Shettar to play straight in K’taka

New Delhi : In his first major political instruction issued after taking over as BJP president, Rajnath Singh is learnt to have told Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar not to resort to manipulation to save his government, which is facing a rebellion by supporters of B S Yeddyurappa.

Singh is learnt to have asked Shettar to honour all constitutional procedures and be ready to face the people, if needed. He has been asked to not bring disrepute to the BJP for the sake of saving his government, and advised to instead go to polls on a moral high ground.

Singh was learnt to have issued these directions to Shettar after taking stock of the Karnataka situation with BJP leader in charge of the state, Dharmendra Pradhan, Friday.

In Bangalore, Shettar told Governor H R Bhardwaj that he enjoyed a majority. Bhardwaj has sought records of parties’ assembly strength before he addresses a joint session on February 3.

On January 23, 13 MLAs of the Yeddyurappa faction went to submit their resignations to Speaker K G Bopaiah, but the speaker was not available.

(With ENS, Bangalore)