After weeks of speculation, the BJP legislature party in Karnataka will meet this evening to elect a successor to BS Yediyurappa, who resigned last evening. The BJP has sent two union ministers, Dharmendra Pradhan and G Kishan Reddy, to act as central observers at the conference, which is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. However, state minister R Ashok informed NDTV that the identity would be revealed tomorrow.
Both leaders are on their way to Bengaluru, where they will be joined by Arun Singh, the BJP’s state in charge, for the meeting, according to sources.
When asked who he thinks will be chosen for the top job, BS Raghvendra, a party MP and Mr Yediyurappa’s son, said it’s “too early to say.”
“The BJP’s decisions can never be foretold. For example — Yogi Adityanath in Uttar Pradesh, Devendra Fadnavis in Maharashtra. Even the cabinet reshuffle was done based on several parameters. So it’s difficult to say,” he said.
“It is only yesterday that the resignation took place. The high command is in a discussion to see who can head Karnataka. It will happen,” he added.
After two years in service, Mr Yediyurappa handed in his resignation to Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot at the Raj Bhavan Friday evening. The BJP’s entrance into south India was driven by the 78-year-old Lingayat strongman, who claimed he stepped down “voluntarily” and will continue to be involved in state politics.
Mr Raghvendra said he had resolved to resign two months earlier.
When asked what role Mr Yediyurappa’s children will play in the government if a new Chief Minister is named, Mr Raghavendra replied: “What are you asking about Yediyurappa’s children when he has no position in the cabinet? Yediyurappa has stated that he will continue to support the party. He also has no involvement in electoral politics. Each position will be decided by the party.”
