BS Yeddyurappa's exit as Chief Minister from Karnataka has possibly been scripted in the report on illegal mining that was presented on Thursday by Santosh Hegde to the Karnataka government. Mr Hegde has recommended that the Chief Minister be prosecuted under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Ananth Kumar
Long considered a Yeddyurappa rival, Mr Ananth Kumar is believed to be working against him behind his back. Publicly, however, he and Yeddyurappa put on a united front. Mr Kumar is known at the national level. But he is a Brahmin so does not command a large vote bank.
Jagadish Shettar
He is currently the Rural Development Minister in Karnataka. Mr Shettar is not a nationally known figure, but being a Lingayat like Yeddyurappa can work in his favour.
Eshwarappa
He is the Karnataka BJP president and belongs to the backward caste. Mr Eshwarappa, too, is not a nationally known figure.
Sadananda Gowda
Former BJP state president, Mr Gowda is a non-controversial leader who is always smiling. He belongs to the Vokkaliga caste.
VS Acharya
Former Home Minister, Mr VS Acharya is a Yeddyurappa loyalist. He has faced trouble many times in the past for putting his foot in his mouth. Mr Acharya is a Brahmin, which may work against him.
Suresh Kumar
He is the current Law Minister and has a very clean image. As a Brahmin, he may not have a large vote bank to count on but a non-controversial image may work in his favour.
Shobha Karandlaje
She is not really in the line to succeed Yeddyurappa. And her proximity to the Karnataka Chief Minister may work against her. Ms Karandlaje belongs to the Vokkaliga caste.
