Political leaders extend support to BS Yediyurappa amid talks of his exit

Political leaders cutting across party lines have come in support of Chief Minister Yediyurappa after the speculations of replacement of the leader. Shamanoor Sivasankarappa, who arrived at the CM residence in the evening, met the Chief Minister and discussed the current state of political affairs in the state.

Bengaluru (Karnataka): Various political leaders in Karnataka have come in support of Chief Minister Yediyurappa after the speculations of replacement of the leader. Shamanoor Sivasankarappa, who arrived at the CM residence in the evening, met the chief minister and discussed the current state of political affairs in the state. The CM has been given a letter regarding certain activities of the Mahasabha. They have been approved by the CM and signed for review. In addition, political negotiations were also held.

Another former Congress minister MB Patil also warned the BJP against removing Yediyurappa. BJP may face the wrath of Lingayats if they ill-treat tall leader BS Yediyurappa. BJP should value the contribution of Yediyurappa and treat him with dignity. This is my personal opinion, understanding that the proposed changes may be internal matters of the BJP,” Patil said in a tweet.

Rambhapuri Jagadguru said Yediyurappa enjoyed the support of all communities. “Floods and now the Covid-19 pandemic, Yediyurappa has not lost heart and is working hard. If something goes awry, it will have a big impact on the BJP,” he said. According to some political observers, the mobilisation of the community's support could be Yediyurappa's last-ditch effort to retain his chair.

READ:Yediyurappa will continue as Karnataka CM: Union Minister

Earlier, BJP state president Nalin Kumar Katils's alleged audio clip went viral in which he was heard saying about the leadership change in the state, fueling a new round of speculation on whether to 78-year old Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa will be replaced. Yediyurappa, who is completing two years in office on July 26, visited Delhi last week, meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Yediyurappa's position as the CM 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 of the 2023 Assembly polls.