Bengaluru: There are no signs of the rebellion in the state BJP abating with rebel leader K.S. Eshwarappa refusing to engage in talks with party in-charge for Karnataka, Muralidhar Rao (in pic) on Sunday.

The rebels hardened their stance after Rao’s diktat that BJP workers should not get involved in the activities of the controversial Sangolli Rayanna Brigade, which had increased the friction between the Yeddyurappa and Eshwarappa camps.

The central leadership has also started cracking the whip with Rao relieving four leaders of their responsibilities-two from each camp. Rebels Nirmal Kumar Surana and MLC Bhanuprakash who were state vice presidents, were axed and so were M.P. Renukacharya, vice president of the Raitha Morcha and G. Madhusudhan, party spokesperson, both close to Yeddyurappa.

The rebels seemed unmindful of the action and claimed BJP national joint general secretary B.L. Santosh, who was accused of 'masterminding' the rebellion, told some of them not to meet Rao. He reportedly told them that he knew leaders in Delhi and efforts would be made to contact party national president Amit Shah.