Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, along with Union Minister DV Sadananda Gowda and Chief Deputy Minister Govind Karajola, will meet with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on Thursday. (Image credit: ANI Twitter)
His journey takes place amid speculation that he will be replaced by a middle-aged man who has the approval of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
- CNN-News18 Bangalore
- Last update: September 17, 2020 6:39 PM IST
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Karnataka’s chief minister, BS Yediyurappa, left for New Delhi on Thursday. This is Yediyurappa’s first visit to the national capital since March before the coronavirus-induced lockdown was imposed nationwide.
His trip takes place at a time when there is strong speculation that he could be replaced by a middle-aged man who has the approval of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Officially, Yediyurappa is in New Delhi to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, other Union ministers and colleagues from the party to discuss various issues related to Karnataka. He is also likely to discuss the expansion of the state cabinet with the party leadership.
However, insiders claim the sword is still hanging from his head and the CM is in New Delhi to make sure his hard-earned chair remains safe and strong.
On Wednesday, while speaking to News18, Yediyurappa, however, dismissed reports of any impending overthrow. “These are all media rumors. Nobody believes them. I will complete the term, ”he said, adding that he would discuss cabinet expansion and development-related issues with the party’s high command and the Center.
Several ministerial aspirants have also rushed to New Delhi with the prime minister. Some are lobbying with the RSS contact person for the BJP, BL Santhosh, who is also a native of Karnataka. CM’s son BY Vijayendra, who is under fire for meddling in the government, also went to the national capital.
After Yediyurappa left for New Delhi, the former CM and opposition leader in the Assembly, Siddaramaiah, stepped up his attack on the BJP government in the state.
The congressional leader told reporters that Vijayendra is acting as the de facto prime minister of Karnataka. He described the current BJP government as a total failure.
Yediyurappa, who has already celebrated his 78th birthday, wants to complete the remaining two and a half years in office before ending the day. But a larger section of the party with close ties to the RSS advocates that a middle-aged person with full loyalty to the Sangh take the reins of the state.
This section feels that if Yediyurappa continues as the prime minister until the next election, the party may be defeated as the BJP will face the faceless elections.
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