Blow to BS Yeddyurappa, SC orders CBI probe in three cases

In a major blow to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurappa, the Supreme Court on Friday ordered an enquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the allegations against him. The apex court observed that prima facie there was proof against Yeddyurappa, who is accused of having favoured mining companies for financial gains. Yeddyurappa filed for an anticipatory bail soon after the Supreme Court order.

The court also directed the CBI to finish investigations and submit report by August 3. Following the order all cases and investigations which are underway against Yeddyurappa and others would automatically be stayed, and the only investigations would be carried out by the CBI.

A public interest litigation seeking an investigation against Yeddyurappa was referred to the Central Empowered Committee, which had recommended CBI probe in three cases against Yeddyurappa.

Yeddyurappa has been accused of receiving money from JSW Steel Ltd., denotifying land in Bangalore and of receiving kickback of Rs 5 crore to issue mining licences in Chitradurga-Tumkur districts of Karnataka. The CBI will also probe JSW Steel Ltd and and Adani Group, both of whom have been allegedly received favours from Yeddyurappa.

The Supreme Court order has dealt a body blow to Yeddyurappa who was lobbying hard along with MLAs loyal to him to reclaim the chief ministership of Karnataka. The apex court’s order means the rebellion led by Yeddyurappa will lose steam and will also put an end to internal squabbling in the Karnataka unit of the BJP.

Following Yeddyurappa's legal troubles and his sidelining, the present Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda can consolidate his position within party.

But the problem for the BJP will not end as Yeddyurappa is one of the tallest Lingayat leader and the party will find it very tough to get the votes of the community which is politically very influential.

Yeddyurappa was forced to step down as the Karnataka chief minister on July 31, 2011 following his indictment in the Karnataka Lokayukta report on illegal mining.