Vibha Sharma
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, July 22

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa today gave a hint about his likely exit, saying the BJP high command will soon give directions regarding his future and he will abide by it.

“Till now I have not been asked to resign. I will know the next step only after July 25. I will abide by the BJP high command’s decision and work to strengthen the party and bring it back to power,” he said.

Transition may not be smooth

• Observers believe while BS Yediyurappa’s exit is imminent, it may not be smooth
• BJP stalwart belongs to Lingayat community which accounts for 17% of Karnataka’s population
• In show of strength, seers have been visiting his residence to pressure the BJP

The 78-year-old Lingayat strongman said he had offered to resign two months ago with an intention to make way for others and asserted that he won’t name a possible successor even if asked to.

Central BJP leaders did not talk about his replacement during his recent Delhi visit, he said.

Yediyurappa said: “Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and JP Nadda have special love and faith towards me...You know that no position is given to those above 75, but appreciating my work, I have been given the opportunity to serve the state.”

There are speculations that Yediyurappa was specifically “asked to clear the air by the central leadership” and ensure a “smooth transition”.

For the past two days, seers have been visiting his residence in what has been perceived as a show of solidarity and a bid to pressure the BJP. Yediyurappa has also received the support of senior Congress leaders from the Lingayat community.

Observers believe that while the exit is imminent, it may not be a smooth one. Though much of the anger among adversaries stems from the alleged interference in the administration by his son BY Vijayendra, BJP leaders admit that a leader of the stature of Yeddiyurappa needs be handled with care.