Karnataka CM Yediyurappa hints at stepping down, says will abide by BJP high command decision

Vibha Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 22

After days of a show of support by seers of religious institutions, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Thursday dropped enough hints that he would resign as the Chief Minister.

The 78-year-old Chief Minister said he was expecting a message and instructions from the BJP high command on July 25, a day before his government completes two years, and he would “do what the high command says and work on building the party”.

Having dug in his heels over the issue of the CM so far, Yeddiyurappa was quoted as saying: “I will know the next step only after July 25 and will abide by the BJP high command’s decision. I will work to strengthen the party and bring the party back to power in Karnataka”.

He also added: “Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and our national president JP Nadda have special love and faith towards me..... You know that no position is given to those who have crossed 75 years of age in the party, but appreciating my work, I have been given me the opportunity despite that I am 78 years old”.

Speculation is that the Lingayat strongman was “asked to clear the air on instructions of the central leadership”.

For the past two days now, seers have been visiting his residence, in what was seen as a show of solidarity and bit to pressurise the BJP. Notably, a delegation of pontiffs under the leadership of Siddalinga Swamiji of Siddaganga Mutt, an influential Lingayat seminary in the state, also urged the saffron leadership to allow Yediyurappa to complete his term. Some are also believed to have also warned of “adverse consequences” in case he is replaced.

On Wednesday, Yeddiyurappa tweeted, saying: “I am privileged to be a loyal worker of BJP. It is my utmost honour to serve the party with highest standards of ethics and behaviour. I urge everyone to act in accordance with party ethics and not indulge in protests/indiscipline that is disrespectful and embarrassing for the party”.