Bangalore:
Former Karnataka Chief Minister Sadananda Gowda said on Monday that the BJP leadership should put a stop to BS Yeddyurappa's constant threat to float a new party despite being a member of the party.
"The BJP leadership should take a decision to put a stop to Yeddyurappa's statements of floating a new party in spite of him being a party member," he told reporters here.
As a national party, the BJP leadership should not delay its decision, Mr Gowda said, adding it has tackled murkier issues in the past and should do so now too.
The leadership could either solve the issues raised by Mr Yeddyurappa through talks or take a decision in the matter, he said.
"It is not right for any leader, being in a party, to speak of floating a new party and claiming the support of many BJP legislators who would follow suit," Mr Gowda added.
Meanwhile Dharwad MP Prahlad Joshi said the central leadership is in touch with Mr Yeddyurappa and is making efforts to convince him not to desert the party and form his own.
"BJP national President Nitin Gadkari is in talks with Yeddyurappa and making efforts to convince him not to desert the party," he told reporters after a party meeting at state BJP headquarters here.
Mr Gadkari has instructed state party leaders not to comment on Mr Yeddyurappa's plans to float a new party, he said and hoped the Lingayat strongman would participate in BJP conventions being held between October 27 to November 30 across the state.
BJP sources said the meeting deliberated on various issues, including the possible repercussions of Mr Yeddyurappa deserting the party and measures to be taken in such an eventuality.
The meeting was held under the leadership of state BJP President KS Eshwarappa.