Not quitting as CM, says Yediyurappa

Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa denied rumours that he is resigning, The News Minute (TNM) reports. On Saturday, he was responding to certain media reports after he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi the day before that he had offered him to resign.

But sources in BJP told TNM that it could not be ruled out that the BJP high command may initiate a leadership change in the state. Also, they said that Yediyurappa is lobbying for important positions for his sons in both party and government. His son, BY Raghavendra, an MP, had demanded a strong position in the organisation following the reshuffle of the Union Cabinet. Meanwhile, Yediyurappa's camp asks for the Deputy CM post for BY Vijayendra, his other son, in the Karnataka Government.

Regarding the meeting with PM on Friday, Yediyurappa said that they only discussed pending state works such as the Mekedathu dam project on the Cauvery river. He said that he has no idea about state leadership changes. An official statement stated that during the meeting with PM, Yediyurappa requested to declare the Upper Bhadra Project as a national project. He also sought financial assistance of Rs 6000 crore for the Bengaluru Peripheral Ring Road project.

In January, Yediyurappa has expanded his cabinet to 33 ministers, reshuffling portfolios and inducing seven new ministers. Many in the party had shown resentment as they didn't receive a minister post. There were repeated open remarks within the state BJP, accusing Yediyurappa and his family of corruption and interference in administration, though he was warned of disciplinary actions.

Earlier in June Yediyurappa had said that the day when the central leadership asks him to quit, he will. And he will involve in working for the welfare of the state.