Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar today warned of a backlash, particularly in north Karnataka, if his government were to be toppled by ruling party MLAs backing B.S. Yeddyurappa.

“If there is an attempt to bring down a government which is giving good administration, people will not pardon it,” he told reporters in his hometown of Hubli in north Karnataka.

“People will keep it in their minds. Particularly, in this region (north Karnataka) people’s outrage may explode at any stage,” he said, telling the MLAs who have expressed their intention to resign and those “instigating” them to bear in mind the people’s feelings.

He said there was no threat to the stability of the government, adding, he was ready to prove his majority in the budget session, slated to begin on February 4.

Blackmail alleged

Meanwhile, speaking to reporters here, BJP State unit president K.S. Eshwarappa said the government would complete its full term.

Eshwarappa slammed Yeddyurappa, saying the latter is not asking his son and Shimoga MP, B.Y. Raghavendra, to quit, while asking his supporting MLAs to quit.

He also alleged that Yeddyurappa was being “blackmailed” by the Congress and asked the resigning MLAs not to “fall prey.”

To meet Governor

Speaking to reporters in Bagalkot, Shettar said he would meet Governor H.R. Bhardwaj tomorrow to brief him about the ongoing political developments in the wake of plans by 13 BJP MLAs to resign.

Shettar is yet to decide on forwarding to Governor H.R. Bhardwaj the resignations of Ministers C.M. Udasi and Shobha Karandlaje from the Ministry.

Meanwhile, Yeddyurappa said the BJP Government did not have the moral right to continue as it had lost majority following resignation of two Ministers and 11 other MLAs.

Shettar should step down immediately to save the Assembly’s honour, he told a press conference.

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