Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa finally breaks silence on resignation rumours, says THIS

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Sunday stated that he will resign from the post the day the party high command asks him to quit.

While speaking to the media persons after paying a floral tribute to late former Chief Minister D Devaraj Urs at Vidhana Soudha, he said, "I will resign the day party high command asks me to quit. I do not speak about the rumours and the speculation created by some of the ministers and legislator."

"High command has given me the opportunity - I am trying to utilise it and I am trying to serve the people. I do not want to comment on the rumours of whoever speaks against me. If my high command wants me to resign, I will resign. I am myself involved working for the development of the state," he added.

Responding to a question on "alternate leadership" to him, Yediyurappa said, "I will not criticise anyone. I won't agree that there is no alternate person. There will always be alternate persons in the state and the country, so I won't agree that there are no alternate persons in Karnataka, but until the high command has confidence in me I will continue as the Chief Minister."

This is possibly the first time that the 78-year old Lingayat strongman has spoken in detail on the issue of leadership change and regarding an alternate leader to replace him in the state BJP, ever since speculations began in this regard.

Speculations have been rife for some time now that efforts were on, within the ruling BJP to exert pressure for unseating Yediyurappa.

The recent visit by state Tourism Minister CP Yogeeshwara and Hubballi-Dharwad West MLA Arvind Bellad to Delhi, reportedly with an intention to meet the high command and express the feelings of some legislators against Yediyurappa's style of functioning and request them to rein in the Chief Minister, had given credibility to such speculation.

Also, citing certain decisions taken by the government, its handling of the COVID crisis and alleged instances of corruption, a few MLAs were said to be pushing for convening a legislature party meeting.

Speaking about the MLAs and Ministers demanding him to step down, the Chief Minister said, "I do not want to talk about any issues related to the complaint against me to high command and letters written against me to the high command by some of the MLAs and the ministers."

CP Yogeeshwara in a statement had said that the Chief Minister is not ruling, however, his son is ruling and controlling the Ministries of Karnataka. While, Basangouda Patil Yatnal had said that the leadership must be changed as his son is ruling the state.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Deputy CM Dr CN Ashwathnarayan spoke in favour of the Chief Minister and said, "There is no question of him stepping down. No such discussions are happening. He only made a statement that he is willing to abide by whatever decision the party takes as he is a disciplined soldier of the party."

After attending a meeting with high command leader BJP National General Secretary CT Ravi on Saturday clarified that Yediyurappa will continue as the Chief Minister.

"We do not have any such ideas to bring down Yediyurappa from the Chief Minster's post and we have unanimously selected him as the Chief Minister. Rumours must be set aside," he said.

After the statements by Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and CT Ravi, rumours have been put to an end for the time.

Source : DNA India