Silence, grief prevail in BSYs native village

MYSORE: As the countdown starts for a change of guard in the state BJP following the indictment of Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa and his Cabinet colleagues in Lokayukta report on illegal mining, a palpable sense of gloom descended over his village Bookanakere.The village had ‘Diwali’- like celebrations — lighting of lamps, organising special pujas and distribution of sweets the day their ‘proud son’ was sworn in as CM.But Ashada turned out to be an inauspicious month for Yeddyurappa.The villagers who stood behind him and prayed for his survival when the dissident activities peaked and when corruption charges were levelled by former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy, are now closely watching the developments.Yeddyurappa’s house and street wore a deserted look.Sharadamma, the CM’s sister- in-law, missed her breakfast to offer prayers at Gogalamma temple. Recalling Yeddyurappa’s journey from a boy to the CM, she said that he had been rewarded for sacrificing his life to strengthen the BJP roots across the state.She said that Yeddyurappa was targeted when there are many others involved in various scams. She said that he should have served his five-year term to put the state on the development track. I am confident that truth will prevail and he will again become CM to serve the poor and needy, she said.His childhood friend Nataraj said that a conspiracy has been hatched to unseat Yeddyurappa. The BJP high command should act only if he is found guilty and punished by a court of law, instead of acting hastily on the report.The villagers have named a circle after Yeddyurappa and pointed out that civil works, including the construction of a government office complex, hostel, hospital and others, were sanctioned by their proud son.The villagers registered their displeasure against the BJP high command by staging a symbolic silent protest, congregating near the temple.Meanwhile, BJP activists remained indoors. Mysore did not see much political activity, barring the Congress protest, demanding the CM’s resignation.Veerashaiva Mutts and seers who came out in support of Yeddyurappa, are monitoring developments and refused to comment.