Mysuru: Ramesh Jarakiholi, Minister for Water Resources has downplayed the meeting of a few MLAs, which sparked rumours of rebel activities in the BJP house.
Jarakiholi, who was responsible for the collapse of the Congress-JDS coalition government in the state, paving way for the BJP to come to power, on Friday morning told reporters that meeting colleagues over a cup of tea cannot be called rebel activity.
“The lockdown was in place and we have not been able to meet each other. Many may have met just to catch up,” he said adding that the media has blown this meeting out of proportion.
It may be recalled that rumours have been rife that MLA Umesh Katti is spearheading a rebel movement within the party, taking into confidence a few MLAs from the northern part of Karnataka. These leaders had reportedly met on Thursday late night and pressed for immediate cabinet expansion and stepping down of BSY from the post of the Chief Minister.
Speaking about Katti, Jarakiholi said that Katti is a friend and he will not quit the party at any cost.
