Bengaluru: The BJP High Command is heading for a change of leadership when the state BJP is completing two years. It is said that the top leadership has sought the resignation of BS Yediyurappa without giving him much time, amid fears of corona third wave and opposition by BSY's supporters etc. The BJP government is completing two years on July 26 and is entering its third year. The High Command, which is in search of a capable leadership to face the next election, has now decided to select a successor for BSY, as the party mulls that Yediyurappa's alternate leadership could be strengthened by next election, if the new leader is given the opportunity now itself. This could be a reason as to why the BJP's top brass has decided for leadership change.
It is also learnt that BS Yediyurappa who had been summoned to New Delhi was instructed to resign and quit the post immediately. However, Yediyurappa requested some time, say sources, adding that the senior leaders without specifying a date, have given a month's deadline to BS Yediyurappa. Fear of Corona third wave is said to be the main reason for Yediyurappa not being given much time, as if Corona cases rise, then the leadership cannot be changed, which means the CM change may be delayed for at least six months, following which there will be only one year left, as next Karnataka Legislative Assembly election is scheduled to be held in or before May 2023. Also, by that time, the new CM will not be able to prove his strength, to win the public, and to go along with party leaders. Hence, this might also be a another reason as to why Yediyurappa has been given notice of resignation without giving much time.
Read: Karnataka CM Yediyurappa hints at resignation
It was negotiated that Yediyurappa should rule for only two years before taking oath as CM, as the BJP had set a 75-year age limit in the entire country, however, it gave exemption to BSY, to be the CM for a two-year term. Yediyurappa will be completing his two years in the government on July 26. There is also a buzz among the state political circles that any further delay may also create a political confusion.
CM Yediyurappa had earlier refused to resign in 2011 on allegations of corruption when he was CM. He also went against the High Command and later resigned, following the orders of Lal Krishna Advani. He had then also imposed a condition to appoint a loyalist as the Chief Minister. However, this time no allegations of corruption have been made and the resignation has been sought on the basis of old age.
Read: Not quitting as CM, Yediyurappa clarifies
CM BS Yediyurappa's son Vijayendra may get good position in new cabinet
Meanwhile, CM BS Yediyurappa's Son BY Vijayendra is also likely to get a powerful ministry in the new BJP cabinet following the resignation of Chief Minister Yediyurappa, sources say. It is also said that he may get deputy chief minister's post or major departments such as the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, Finance and Public Works. It is said that the Chief Minister Yediyurappa has appealed to the BJP High Command to give good position to BY Vijayendra in the Cabinet and that he had discussed about his son's political future during his visit to Delhi. The first priority of BSY is to appoint Vijayendra as deputy chief minister, or state BJP president.
In this regard, it is learnt that the high command responded positively and has promised BSY to give a good position in the BJP government to son Vijayendra after his resignation. But there is no clarity as to what post Vijayendra will be given. According to BJP's top sources available to 'ETV Bharat', it is understood that the Deputy Chief Minister or Cabinet grade minister post may be given.
Read: Congress levels corruption charges against Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa
On the other hand, if Yediyurappa resigns and the BJP High Command appoints the chief ministerial candidate from a Lingayat community, then it will be difficult for Vijayendra to get a deputy chief minister post. He may not get the DCM post for the reason that persons from a similar community cannot be given two important posts. However, if the High Command selects the chief ministerial candidate from Brahmin, Vokkaliga or other community, Vijayendra is most likely to become the Deputy Chief Minister from Lingayat community.
It is said that Vijayendra is also eyeing the post of BJP president as he is already serving as the state BJP's vice president. He is also said to have a far-fetched political ambition to become the chief minister after touring the state for the upcoming assembly elections. But the BJP High Command has not shown much interest in giving him the post of President.
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