Faced with simmering discontent against his leadership, the Karnataka Chief Minister, Mr B.S. Yeddyurappa, on Thursday convened a meeting with Ministers seeking to assert himself even as a team of dissidents left for New Delhi gunning for him.

Twenty-one of the total 27 Ministers attended the “conclave” held at Chief Minister's home-office “Krishna” as Mr Yeddyurappa appeared to send a strong message and demonstrate his “strength”.

The meeting was called to discuss the programmes announced in the State Budget and issues related to it but its timing didn't go unnoticed as the Chief Minister's camp and the dissidents seem to be engaged in brinkmanship.

A team of dissidents, led by BJP State President, Mr K.S. Eshwarappa, left for Delhi today to “complain” to the party's central leadership against Mr Yeddyurappa.

He was accompanied by former Minister Aravind Limbavali and state party spokesman Mr C T Ravi.