BJP issues showcause notices to Reddy brothers’ loyalists

Ministers allegedly involved in anti-party activities by backing Sreeramulu for Bellary assembly bypoll.

Karnataka BJP on Friday slapped showcause notices on three MLAs and an MLC loyal to Reddy brothers for alleged anti-party activities in backing rebel candidate B Sreeramulu for the Bellary rural assembly bypoll.

Showcause notices have been served on G Somashekara Reddy,brother of jailed former minister and mining baron G Janardhana Reddy,B Nagendra,H T Suresh Babu (all MLAs) and MLC Mruthyunjaya Jinaga who have thrown their weight behind Sreeramulu,a close associate of the Reddy brothers.

The legislators have been asked to reply to the notices within three days,failing which they would be expelled from the party’s primary membership,State BJP President K S Eshwarappa said.

BJP leadership would also soon initiate action against two MPs,J Shantha,sister of Sreeramulu and Sanna Fakirappa,he said.

The four legislators and two MPs have been actively campaigning for Sreeramulu for the November 30 bypoll.

Sreeramulu is contesting as an independent after resigning as a BJP MLA for being denied a ministerial berth in the wake of the Lokayukta report on illegal mining which has indicted him,the Reddy brothers and mining barons — Janardhan and Karunakara,as also former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa.

Sreeramulu yesterday claimed he would wipe out the saffron party from Bellary district,the stronghold of Reddy brothers.

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Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda said in Bangalore that several people have so far made such claims. There is no need to attach any importance to it.

Reacting to the show cause notice,Somashekara Reddy said they would reply to it and dared BJP to expel them.

There is no need for replying to the notice. All of us will remain with Sreeramulu and continue to campaign for him in the bypoll, Reddy told reporters.