Karnataka MLA criticised over leadership speculation

Senior BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal had in October claimed that Yediyurappa will not remain Chief Minister for long and the high command has decided that the new Chief Minister will be from the north Karnataka region.

Shivamogga (Karnataka): Slamming BJP legislator Basanagouda Patil Yatnal for his comments on the change of chief minister in Karnataka, BJP in-charge of Karnataka Arun Singh asked who he was to speak of such an issue in public.

Speaking to media persons after attending the executive committee meeting, here on Sunday, he said the government headed by BS Yediyurappa is doing good work. There is no question of changing the chief minister. But this issue is being discussed in media.

"I have said a number of times, he is our CM, he will remain CM, he is taking care of all sections of society. He is one of the prominent leaders of the party here," Arun Singh said.

Singh also asked BJP leaders to refrain from making statements in public on issues relating to the party. Singh was in the state for a special meeting of the state BJP and also its core committee at Shivamogga.

Earlier, Yediyurappa had also asserted that he will continue to be CM for the remaining over two year period and complete the term,

Speculations have been rife that BJP high command is considering leadership change in Karnataka in the coming days owing to Yediyurappa's age.

Senior BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal had in October claimed that Yediyurappa will not remain Chief Minister for long and the high command has decided that the new CM will be from the north Karnataka region.