Belagavi, Nov 24 (UNI) Deputy Chief Minister Dr Ashwath Narayan on Saturday denied any leadership change in the state, as speculation about the high command mulling over replacing Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa considering his age, who is 77.

Bharatiya Janata Party leaders are barred from holding any ministerial post once they turn 75, as per the party's system.

However, denying the reports, the Deputy CM reiterated that BS Yediyurappa will continue as CM and there will not be any change in Chief Minister post.

Talking to media at a programme in Belagavi, Mr Narayan, who is on a short visit here, said the party state president Nalinkumar Kateel will look into this matter.

He said Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa will take a decision on cabinet reshuffle or expansion in consultation with the high command. "We are not aware of cabinet expansion or reshuffle," he asserted.

While asking a question about Water Resources district incharge Minister Ramesh Jarkiholi, who has been visiting New Delhi often to get cabinet berth for his supporters who joined the BJP along with him after leaving Congress, Mr Narayan said that there was nothing wrong in it.

UNI HVN/MV JW1936