BJP will form Govt again with over 130 seats in 2023: Karnataka CM

Bengaluru: Responding to his critics within the party, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Wednesday said that he would work hard to ensure that the BJP remains in power in the next state assembly elections scheduled in 2023 winning over 130 seats.

Yediyurappa made the statement following a visit to Governor Vajubhai R Vala at the Raj Bhawan on Wednesday. However, he claimed that his visit was "personal and devoid of politics" and only a courtesy visit to enquire about Vala's health for he had recently undergone eye surgery.

"That's the challenge in front of me and I will start working on it from now. I assure the party workers that in the 2023 Assembly polls, the BJP will continue its victory march," he said, implying that he will not be replaced anytime soon. Critics, including BJP leaders AH Vishwanath, Basanagouda Patil Yatnal and Tourism Minister CP Yogeshwar, have been raking up the issue of a change of leadership in the state now and again.

Regarding the meeting with the governor, the CM said, "We discussed various issues, including development matters, and I told him about the works we are doing. He also gave some suggestions." He further added that he shall visit 10-12 districts in the coming days as part of his fortnightly visits to districts.