Bengaluru: The progress of the much talked about Sangolli Rayanna Brigade in the state led by senior BJP leader K S Eshwarappa is in doubt and is likely to come to a halt after its first and probably the last major convention at Kudalasangama on January 26.

According to reliable party sources, BJP national president has strictly warned the senior leader to drop plans of taking the brigade movement ahead. However, he has been given an opportunity to go ahead with the proposed convention at Kudalasangama ( Birthplace of Social reformer Basavanna ) on January 26 as a face saver. After the convention he may have to drop all its activities failing which he may end up facing disciplinary action.

Initially, K S Eshwarappa had hinted that the intention of the brigade was mainly to make B S Yeddyurappa the state chief minister again. Later the relationship between two leaders turned sour and efforts of patch up between the two leaders did not materialise. Later, state BJP expelled former Mayor of Bangalore Venkatesh Murthy, a known supporter of K S Eshwarappa from the party and excluded K S Eshwarappa from decision making process.

The state executive party meet held at Kalburgi brought the division between the leaders in the open with both fractions trying to gain upper hand. Efforts by state In-charge Muralidhar Rao to diffuse the crisis too failed. With no options left, Rao left the venue and kept the BJP national president informed of the rift and its repercussions.

JDS State President H D Kumaraswamy too added some “spice” by issuing a statement in favour of K S Eshwarappa stating that the opposition leader in the Council was more powerful than the BJP state president.

The party president who watched the high drama unfolding from Delhi, has finally stepped in to halt the progress of the brigade by warning K S Eshwarappa, it is gathered.

Is it curtains down for the much hyped Sangolli Rayanna brigade? If party sources are to be believed, Yes!