Son not interfering in administration 'systematic conspiracy' to drag his name CM

Bengaluru, Sep 18 (PTI) Rubbishing claims that his son B
Y Vijayendra was interfering in the administration, Karnataka
Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Friday alleged that a
systematic conspiracy was going on to unnecessarily bring in
his name to create confusion.
The Chief Minister said he was in New Delhi to discuss
cabinet expansion and issues relating to the development of
the state with the Prime Minister and BJP National President,
as he rejected speculation about his recent meeting with JD(S)
leader H D Kumaraswamy.
"It is natural that people cannot tolerate those who are
growing. Vijayendra in no way at any moment has interfered (in
administration).
As state Vice President (BJP) he is doing his duty by
travelling across the state to strengthen the party,"
Yediyurappa said in response to a question.
Speaking to reporters after laying the foundation for the
reconstruction of Karnataka Bhavan-1 "Cauvery" at a cost of Rs
120 crore in New Delhi, he said, "some people are indulging in
a systematic conspiracy to unnecessarily bring his
(Vijayendra) name and create confusion."
Leader of the Opposition in the assembly, Siddaramaiah on
Thursday had said Vijayendra was the de facto chief
minister, accusing him of interfering with the administration.
"Vijayendra is the de facto CM, whereas Yediyurappa is
the de jure CM," he had said.
Recently, the Congress had taken exception to Vijayendra
allegedly holding a meeting with the government medical
officers and sought to know who gave him the power for such an
interaction though he did not hold any Constitutional
position.
There have been allegations of Vijayendra's interference
in the administration by opposition and few within, ever since
BJP came to power last year, a charge rejected by Yediyurappa.
Ahead of his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
the Chief Minister said he will discuss all the issues
concerning the development of the state, also cabinet
expansion.
"... discussion also has to happen regarding the cabinet
expansion, I will bring it to his notice and take clearance
and leave for Bengaluru tomorrow," he said, adding that he
will meeting BJP national President J P Nadda in the evening.
Cabinet expansion or reshuffle is expected to be a
tightrope for the 77-year-old leader, considering too many
aspirants.
While several old guard are waiting for a chance to be
inducted into the Ministry, those who defected from the
Congress and JD(S) like A H Vishwanath, R Shankar and MTB
Nagaraj, who are now BJP MLCs, are also aspiring for slots.
The cabinet currently has 28 members and six berths are
still vacant.
There are also strong speculations about the possible
change in leadership in the future, considering Yediyurappa's
age.
However it has been rejected by senior party leaders like
its state President Nalin Kumar Kateel, Minister R Ashoka
among others.
To a query about his recent meeting with JD(S) leader H D
Kumaraswamy, Yediyurappa said there is no room for any
speculation.
"... as an opposition party leader he(Kumaraswamy) had
come to my home office Krishna to discuss the issues
pertaining to constituencies of his party MLAs.
No other things have been discussed, there is no need for
it also. We have the majority and we will give a stable
government in the remaining three years," he added. PTI KSU
ROH ROH

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)