Gadkari asks Yeddyurappa to call off ’temple truth test’

Mtoday news / PTI

Bangalore, June 24:  Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa astounded many when he challenged his political rival to meet him in a temple on Monday and swear "in the presence of God" that the allegations of corruption he has levelled against the Chief Minister are genuine. Seriously.

 

Religious leaders balked; Karnataka voters were baffled; but HD Kumaraswamy, the man challenged by Mr Yeddurappa said he’d be there. There being the temple at Dharmasthala which honours Lord Manjunatha.

Mr Yeddyurappa’s boss, BJP president Nitin Gadkari, has today voted against the temple confrontation, scheduled for Monday. "I advised Yeddyurappa that it was not appropriate to use religious places, especially temples, for politics," he said during a visit to Bangalore today.

Two days ago, Mr Yeddyurappa had indicated that he might be open to revising his plans. "Because of that great respect for the swamiji’s and elders, I will take a decision on 26th evening," he said.

Mr Kumaraswamy, who heads the Opposition JD(S), has devoted the last few months to circulating documents that suggest the Chief Minister used his office to help his children, their spouses, and companies they are linked with.

Earlier this month, Mr Yeddyurappa wrote an open letter in local newspapers proposing his unique "truth test."