Did BSY pull strings prior to Sonias visit?

TUMKUR: Despite AICC president Sonia Gandhi’s attempt to woo Lingayat Mutts and the community, the Congress cannot take things for granted, as the community is still said to be in favour of former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa.According to highly-placed sources, the former chief minister is said to have paid a visit to the Siddaganga Mutt prior to Sonia’s visit and called on Sri Shivakumara Swami and Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swami and discussed what should be the talking point.The Mutts, which have the patronage of Yeddyurappa, will never leave him in the lurch and will go to any length to bail him out. Sonia’s visit is only a part of their strategy, sources sought to explain.As the proposed CBI probe against into an illegal mining case involving Yeddyurappa hangs over the legislator from Shikaripur like the Damocles’ sword, he had pinned all hopes on the Mutts. Hence, political circles were abuzz with as to what Sonia’s visit would have for the Yeddyurappa camp.BJP’s Stormy Petrel?Interestingly, when most BJP leaders distanced themselves from the Mutt as they were not invited, Yeddyurappa loyalist and Tumkur MP G S Basavaraju dared to meet Sonia.The former Congressman received her with a garland at the Tumkur helipad. His hand in the Mutt’s invitation to Sonia cannot be ruled out as he shares a good rapport with senior Congress leaders and former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dixit, sources said.These developments would reach a logical end as the state Assembly polls are gradually approaching, resulting in a round of political polarisation. Party hoppers have already made up their mind to back the winning horse, it is learnt.