Will continue as CM for next two years says Yediyurappa

Hassan (K'taka), Jun 11 (PTI) BJP national general
secretary Arun Singh's statement ruling out his replacement
has given him "more strength", Karnataka Chief Minister
B S Yediyurappa said on Friday and asserted that he will work
for the development of the state during the remaining two
years of the term.
     The 78-year-old Lingayat strongman also said his
responsibility has increased because of the trust shown in
him by the BJP high command.
     "Arun Singh who is Karnataka in-charge has said
that there is no question (of leadership change).. it doesn't
arise and that Yediyurappa will remain (CM) for the next two
years and complete the term-- where does that question
arise," Yediyurappa said in response to a question.
     Speaking to reporters after a review meeting with
officials and public representatives from the district, he
said, "it has been clarified that Yediyurappa will continue
for the remaining two years and with the cooperation of
everyone I will focus on development and tour across the
state, and will make honest efforts to do a good job."
     Amid speculation about leadership change in
Karnataka, Singh, who is BJP's national general secretary
in-charge of the state, on Thursday had ruled out replacing
the Chief Minister and asserted that Yediyurappa will
continue in the top post.
     Yediyurappa in response to a question said that
Singh's statement has given him "more strength".
     "Hundred per cent, when our Karnataka in-charge has
said there is no change for the remaining two years and good
work is happening under my leadership, my responsibility has
increased.I will put more effort and honestly work for the
next two years, and try to live up to the trust shown in me
by PM Narendra Modi and Amit Shah (Home Minister)," he added.
     Speculation has been rife for some time now that
efforts were on, by a section of the ruling BJP to exert
pressure for unseating Yediyurappa.
Some BJP legislators are said to be pushing for
convening a legislature party meeting, citing some decisions
taken by the government, its functioning, handling of the
COVID crisis and alleged instances of corruption, among
others.
Amid speculation, Yediyurappa had recently said he
will continue in the top post as long as the BJP high command
has confidence in him, and he had no confusion about it.
     Earlier too there has been intense speculation in
some quarters that the BJP high command is mulling leadership
change in Karnataka in the days to come considering
Yediyurappa's advancing age.
     Though the BJP had officially rejected outright
such speculation in the past, it refuses to die down, with
some within the party like senior MLA Basanagouda Patil
Yatnal giving credence to it with his statements, setting
repeated deadlines for Yediyurappa's exit.PTI KSU RS BN
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(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)