In the midst of speculation over a possible change of guard in Karnataka, BJP president J P Nadda downplayed any leadership problem in the southern state on Sunday, saying Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa has done a fine job.
“Yediyurappa has done wonderful work,” Nadda remarked to reporters in Panaji at the end of his two-day Goa tour, according to PTI. Karnataka is thriving. “Yediyurappa is taking care of things in his own manner,” Nadda added, dismissing any Karnataka leadership crisis. “That is what you feel. We don’t feel so.”
Nadda’s comments are significant since they come only hours after the Karnataka chief minister indicated he will make an appropriate choice about his future after receiving instructions from the BJP’s top leadership on Sunday evening. “If it comes, you’ll know about it; once it comes, I’ll make the right decision,” Yediyurappa said in answer to a query on when the party’s high leadership in Delhi will provide instructions.
In response to a query on the pontiffs having a big conclave in Bengaluru on Sunday, he replied, “There is no need for pontiffs to have any meet; I have faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP national President J P Nadda.””
When asked about the possibility of a Dalit chief minister succeeding him, Yediyurappa replied, “I’m not the one to decide on it; it’s up to the high command.” First, let’s see what decision they’ll make today…” “That’s enough for me,” the chief minister said if people were happy with his job.
Dingaleshwar Swamiji of Balehosur mutt, who held a press conference here on July 23 to inform the public about the conclave with other Swamijis, refused to link the event to the possible leadership change, but it is widely interpreted as an attempt to rally support for Yediyurappa and send a message. Yediyurappa is in Belagavi, which has been devastated by floods and rain, to assess the relief and rescue efforts.
The Chief Minister stated that he will be visiting those impacted by the rains and floods, adding that after visiting several affected areas and analyzing the situation there, he will return to Bengaluru. “Rains have receded both yesterday and today, and if the scenario continues in the same manner for the next couple of days, I’m certain that things will come under control,” he added, adding that Maharashtra’s rains retreating are a good indication.
