NEW DELHI, July 22: A change in leadership in Karnataka seems imminent amidst weeks of speculation with the Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa hinting on Thursday that he may not remain the CM after the weekend.
Yediyurappa, who has so far dug in his heels over the chief ministership, told reporters in Bengaluru, “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.”
The Chief Minister was initially scheduled to attend a legislature party meeting on July 26 and hold a lunch with MLAs on July 25, but the programmes have now been rescheduled.
There has been speculation that he may resign on July 26 when his government completes two years in office, making way for another BJP CM to govern for two years.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and our national president JP Nadda have special love and faith towards 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,” Yediyurappa added.
The Lingayat strongman had visited New Delhi last week, meeting PM Modi, Home minister Shah, Defence minister Rajnath Singh and Nadda.
(Manas Dasgupta)