Karnataka's politics has taken an unusual turn as there have been talks that Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa shall be stepping down from the post but the CM today said that 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. However, Karnataka Congress President and opposition leader DK Shivakumar has called CM Yediyurappa's statement a strategy.
SK Shivakumar said that Yediyurappa is a strong leader in BJP and state politics. "BJP went to elections under his leadership and took away our party friends and formed the government," he said further.
While the CM after giving his statement that he will continue in the top post, Karnataka State Revenue Minister R Ashok said, "It is time to put a full stop to all the rumours about leadership change in Karnataka. BS Yediyurappa is our leader and he will continue to be the chief minister."
Even, Deputy Chief Minister Dr CN Ashwathnarayan said, "there is no question of him stepping down. No such discussions are happening. He only made a statement that he is willing to abide by whatever decision the party takes as he is a disciplined soldier of party."
"As long as the Delhi high command has confidence in me, I will continue as the Chief Minister. The day they will say they don't want me, I will resign and work day and night for the development of the state," Yediyurappa said in response to a question on attempts to replace him.
While speaking to reporters, Yediyurappa said: "I'm in no confusion. They (high command) have given me an opportunity, I'm trying beyond my strength to utilise the opportunity for good. Rest is left for the high command."
"I will not criticise anyone. I won't agree that there is no alternate person. There will always be alternate persons in the state and the country, so I won't agree that there are no alternate persons in Karnataka, but until the high command has confidence in me I will continue as the Chief Minister," he added.
