Not quitting as CM, Yediyurappa clarifies

Despite dissent brewing against him within his own party and his rift with senior BJP leader Eshwarappa is well known in political circles, the 79-year-old Chief Minister of Karnataka is holding on to his position. Scotching rumours about his replacement, the strong Lingayat leader says he just discussed about developmental works with PM Modi.

Hyderabad:Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Saturday rubbished rumours about his resignation saying "there is no truth to it." When reporters at the Karnataka Bhavan persisted, he said, "No, not at all. There is no value to such rumours."

Yediyurappa's position as the Chief Minister has been shaky as he and his family members are accused of corruption and interference in administration. Dissent has been brewing against him in his own party and his rift with senior BJP leader Eshwarappa is well known in political circles. The party high command has even warned of disciplinary action against the 79-year-old leader. Recently, senior BJP leader and MLC H Vishwanath had told the media that several leaders in the saffron party wanted Yediyurappa to step down. Another section of the party is seeking his removal citing his old age and the need to project a new chief ministerial face ahead the 2023 Assembly polls.

Regarding today's meeting with the party top brass, Yediyurappa said he will meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi before returning to Bengaluru and that he will visit New Delhi once against in the first week of August. He already met BJP chief JP Nadda in the morning and said he has been told to strengthen the party and bring it back to power in Karnataka. "We discussed about the development of the party in the state. He asked me to give special emphasis on bringing the BJP back to power in Karnataka. The same was told by the prime minister also. A detailed discussion took place," Yediyurappa said after meeting Nadda.

On Friday, Yediyurappa took a chartered flight with some family members from Bengaluru to New Delhi and met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Though, what transpired between the two leaders is not known, the Karnataka Chief Minister said they discussed about developmental works in the state, including Mekedatu project across river Cauvery. Answering questions over tensions with Tamil Nadu over the project -- the project aims to store and supply water for drinking purposes for Bengaluru city -- he said it was a great opportunity for the two states to "live like siblings" and strengthen ties.