Karnataka CM wants suitable position for sons
The political drama in the BJP-ruled Karnataka is heading for a climax in another week with Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, while mustering support of influential “Lingayat” seers for himself, dropped hints on Thursday that he might step down after July 25 if the BJP high command desired so.
Yediyurappa, 78, who met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 17, has been understandably told by the party leadership to hand over the baton to a new leadership.
“You all know that two months ago, I had said I would resign to make way for someone else. I will know the next step only after July 25, and will abide by the BJP high command’s decision. I will work to strengthen the party and bring the party back to power in Karnataka,” said Yediyurappa on Thursday at Bengaluru.
“When the directions come, I’ll quit and work for the party,” he said. Insisting that the party leadership had said nothing to him, he remarked, “Let’s see what happens on the 25th”.
“I will be Chief Minister for as long as you say. When you say no — I will work for the State. I am going to check roads and storm drain. I will do my duty till the last minute,” he went on.
The Chief Minister, however, cancelled a scheduled legislature party meeting on July 26 and also a lunch with MLAs on July 25. It was earlier anticipated that the CM may step down on July 26 when he completes two years of his fourth term at the helm.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and our national president JP Nadda have special love and faith in me. You should know that no position is given to those who have crossed 75 years of age in the party, but appreciating my work, they have given me an opportunity despite the fact that I am 78 years old,” the CM said opening up scope of speculation on his next step.
According to sources, the BJP central leadership would like enough time for the next incumbent to do the groundwork before State Assembly polls take place in 2023.
Before and after his meeting with the top BJP leaders in Delhi, Yediyurappa has been lobbying with “Lingyat” seers who greatly influence voting preferences among the “Lingyat” community in the State.
Yediyurappa has, informatively, sought suitable political promotions for his two sons, the younger one BY Vijayendra is already a BJP vice-president in the State and is often accused by BJP dissidents of “running” a parallel Government.
