Survivor Yedi.

Good work of Yedi govt need not be endorsed every time: Arun Singh

BJP Karnataka chief rules out leadership change before crucial meet

Agency Report | Bengaluru | 16 June, 2021 | 11:10 PM

The BJPs Karnataka in-charge Arun Singh has announced that he does not need to give certificates every time about how well the state government led by Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa is functioning in tackling the Covid-19 pandemic and other important issues.

Singh made this remark even before kick-starting the several meetings lined up during his three-day visit to the southern state starting Wednesday.

The statement assumes significance as a section of BJP leaders have been strongly objecting to the style of functioning of Yediyurappa and his youngest son, B.Y. Vijayendra, who is also the party’s state unit vice-president.

Singh, who arrived in Bengaluru late on Wednesday afternoon, told reporters that he has come here to further strengthen the party apparatus and take stock of the government’s performance in tackling the pandemic in the state.

“I don’t have to repeatedly endorse how best our government in Karnataka led by Yediyurappa is functioning. Yediyurappa is working hard to tackle the pandemic,” he said in response to a question about any possibility of a change in leadership in the state.

He asserted that all the BJP party workers, ministers and legislators are united, and there are no differences of any kind in the state.

Launching an attack on opposition Congress and JD(S), Singh said that the Congress’ achievement in tackling Covid across the country is not even worth mentioning, and less said the better about the JD(S) which is already in quarantine in Karnataka.

The BJP leader said that he has come to Karnataka to give a message to all the MLAs and party workers to work hard in their respective constituencies, take the party’s work forward and spread the word about the good works being carried out by the state government.

“In a series of meetings starting today (Wednesday), we will review the works as part of the ‘Seva Hi Sangathan’ (service is organisation) programme and see how we can take it forward,” Singh said.

Just ahead of Arun Singh’s three-day visit to the southern state, the party’s state unit chief Nalin Kumar Kateel said there was no question of a change in leadership in Karnataka as incumbent Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa will be at the helm of affairs till the next Assembly polls scheduled in 2023.

Kateel told reporters that Singh is coming to Karnataka (on Wednesday) to discuss with various leaders and legislators the issues concerning each individual, and not about a leadership change in the state.

He said that all those who have issues can meet Singh and discuss their cases individually, as the latter will be in the state for the next two days.

However, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister K.S. Eshwarappa told reporters earlier that he would be lying if he said that there are no problems in Karnataka BJP.

“Yes, certainly the ruling party is facing some problems. That is the sole reason why Singh is arriving here for three days. A section in our party wants Yediyurappa to step down, while another section is backing him to the hilt. This is not at all a secret anymore,” he said in response to a question.

Eshwarappa also said that he has full faith in the BJP’s internal mechanism, which is capable of stemming out any sort of rebellion in the party.

“Singh’s arrival is a sign that the BJP is willing to hear both sides of the case and then take a final call. As the party high command is strong, everyone will fall in line if the directions come from the top,” he said.

Eshwarappa added that ministers, MLAs and BJP office-bearers will be allowed to meet Singh during his visit.

Meanwhile, Minister for Muzrai and Backward Classes Welfare, Kota Srinivas Poojary, also asserted that there is no question of discussing leadership change with Singh.

“What is the need for replacing Yediyurappa at this point,” he asked.

He, however, conceded that the ruling party is facing several issues which need urgent hearing from the party high command.

“Like every family, we too are facing problems and these issues need the intervention of the elders. Singh is not coming to the state for the first time. Whenever he visits Karnataka, he comes up with new ideas that the party needs to implement here. So unless I meet him, I won’t be able to tell exactly why he is coming,” Poojary said in response to a question.

Singh is likely to hold a meeting with the state ministers later on Wednesday. On Thursday, he will be meeting Karnataka BJP leaders, before addressing the party’s core committee on Friday.

On June 11, Singh had ruled out replacing Yediyurappa. (IANS)