Powered by
Sponsored by

Is it end of road for Yediyurappa as Karnataka chief minister?

The CM says he is expecting a "message" from party high command on July 25

64-Yediyurappa B.S. Yediyurappa

The change of guard in Karnataka seems imminent. Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, who neither rubbished his rumoured resignation nor confirmed it, on Thursday told reporters that he was expecting a "message" from the party high command on July 25.

"I have still got no communication from the party high command. I expect that the leadership will convey their message (decision) on July 25. Till then, I will continue to be the chief minister. In fact, I had offered to resign two months back. The day the party asks me to step down, I will do it. I will tour the state and engage myself in strengthening the party. Whether I am in power or not, I will strive hard to bring BJP to power once again," said Yediyurappa,  speaking to reporters at Vidhana Soudha, just before he chaired the cabinet meeting.  

"Tomorrow I will be inspecting the development works in Bengaluru, the ongoing roads and stormwater drains project. I will discharge my duty till the last minute," he added. 

The last two days witnessed high drama in Bengaluru, with saffron-clad pontiffs from across the various Veerashaiva-Lingayat mutts making a beeline to the CM's residence to rally behind Yediyurappa, in a show of strength. The pontiffs also warned the BJP leadership against replacing Yediyurappa before he completed the full term. 

Yediyurappa reiterated that he would abide by the party decision and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and J.P.  Nadda have a special regard for him and that was evident in the party making an exception to the rule and allowing him to be the CM even after he had crossed 75. On Wednesday night,  Yediyurappa tweeted to appeal to his followers and well-wishers not to stage protests, saying, "I am privileged to be a loyal worker of the BJP. It is my utmost honour to serve the party with highest standards of ethics and behaviour. I urge everyone to act in accordance with party ethics and not indulge in protests/indiscipline that is disrespectful and embarrassing for the party."

When asked about alternative leadership in the state and if he would recommend any names, Yediyurappa said, "I will not suggest any names. It is the prerogative of the party high command. There is no need for me to give any suggestions."

Earlier in the day, CM's elder son and Shivamogga MP B.Y.  Raghavendra categorically stated that his father was ready to step down any time the party asked him to. "The party has made Yediyurappa ji the chief minister, and I am an MP and my younger brother Vijayendra is the state BJP vice-president. Our family has placed no demands before the party. My father is happy to work for the party, which he has been doing for decades," said Raghavendra.

📣 The Week is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@TheWeekmagazine) and stay updated with the latest headlines