Bangalore:
BS Yeddyurappa has proved that despite being forced to quit as Karnataka Chief Minister, he enjoys huge support within the BJP.
17 BJP MPs have met senior party leader LK Advani this morning; in a letter, they have requested that Mr Yeddyurappa be reinstated as Chief Minister.
After a report on illegal mining indicted him, the BJP forced a reluctant Mr Yeddyurappa to resign in July. He famously told his supporters at that time, "I'll be back." As part of his rehabilitation package, he was allowed to choose the man who would replace him. That politician, Sadananda Gowda, has repeatedly pledged his support and gratitude to his predecessor.
Mr Yeddyurappa recently spent 25 days in jail in connection with cases where he is charged with corruption. He was granted bail in November.
A series of cases accuse him of using his term as Chief Minister to allocate prime property at throwaway prices to firms owned by his children and their spouses.