CM Yediyurappa shall complete his term: Karnataka BJP President

Bengaluru: Karnataka BJP President Nalin Kumar Kateel ruled out speculations of leadership change in the ruling BJP, noting that CM BS Yediyurappa is a "unanimous leader" who will complete the term.

"There is no change; Yediyurappa ji is our unanimous leader. The centre (central leadership) has already made it clear that there is no change, there is no such discussion... it is not the subject of discussion in the party," Kateel said. "Yediyurappa has completed two years and will complete the remaining term too."

There have been reports that efforts were being made to unseat Yediyurappa within the BJP. Tourism Minister Yogeeshwara and Hubballi-Dharwad West MLA Arvind Bellad recently visited Delhi, allegedly to meet the high command with complaints against the CM's style of functioning. A few MLAs have also been pushing for a party meeting on June 7 about the government's handling of the pandemic and alleged cases of corruption. Kateel, however, ruled out any chances of an immediate legislature meeting, citing COVID.

"There is no change. Covid management is the responsibility of every legislator, public representative and party worker. The Chief Minister is involved in it, all our leaders too are involved," he said.

Furthermore, Kateel noted that speculations on leadership change have been around ever since Yediyurappa came into power and that the BJP has officially denied these speculations.

"I'm giving clear instructions that no legislator should be involved in any kind of activities other than COVID-19 management. The only responsibility of every legislator is he should be in his constituency, serve people and take control measures," he added.