Even as Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa indicated that the speculations around his imminent exit may turn out to be true, Deputy Chief Minister C.N. Ashwathnarayan, on Thursday, claimed that at present, there is no question of a discussion on leadership change happening.
Ashwathnarayan was reacting to the CM's statement that the party high command will give him directions on July 25 about his future as the chief minister.
The BJP government in the state will complete two years in office on July 26.
"I don't know in what context the CM made that statement. At present, there is no question of leadership discussion happening. We are not aware of these things. We need to hear from him," ANI quoted Ashwathnarayan as saying.
Meanwhile, the BJP's Karnataka in-charge Arun Singh ducked questions on leadership change saying, "We will sit together someday and discuss. We will also sit together and have tea," reports PTI. In June, Singh had visited Karnataka and consulted party leaders, ministers and MLAs, even as there were rumours of leadership change.
Earlier in the day, the Karnataka chief minister had said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah (Home Minister) and our national president J.P. Nadda have a special love and faith towards me. You are aware that no position has been given to those who have crossed 75 years of age, but appreciating my work they have given me an opportunity despite me crossing 78 years."
"Based on the instructions that the central leaders will give me on July 25, I will begin my work from July 26. We have a special programme on July 26 regarding two years of our government, after attending that programme, I will abide by the instructions from the national president," he added.
