With the BJP’s core group meeting still underway in the National capital, there are reports that Karnataka Chief Minister Sadananda Gowda is likely to make way for Jagadish Shettar as the new CM.

Advani, who had certain reservations against Shettar being elevated to the CM’s post has finally given nod to the Yeddyurappa’s close aide.

The BJP core group meeting began in New Delhi to take a decision on replacing Karnataka Chief Minister Sadananda Gowda with Lingayat leader Jagadish Shettar and finalise the strategy for the Vice presidential election.

BJP President Nitin Gadkari has convened the meeting of the party’s core group to take a final decision on making Shettar as the new Chief Minister of Karnataka.

Shettar, who is the Rural Development Minister, is BS Yeddyurappa’s choice for the top post in the state.

The party is also likely to appoint a Deputy Chief Minister to placate other senior party leaders representing different communities of Karnataka.

The names of Minister R Ashok and Karnataka BJP chief KS Eshwarappa are doing the rounds for the post of Deputy Chief Minister.

The Vice Presidential election will also be discussed by the Core Group.

Sources said since the Opposition lacks the numbers, the party may decide not to field a candidate and instead support a candidate put up by one of its allies or a non-Congress party.

The issues related to the Presidential poll, including the office of profit issue involving UPA candidate Pranab Mukherjee, will also be discussed at the meeting.

The new CM of Karnataka is expected to be sworn in on July 11.