Karnataka Power Crisis: BJP In-Charge Backs Yediyurappa As CM Even As Rumblings Remain Wide Open

Rumblings within the ruling BJP in Karnataka were out in the open speculation over replacing Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa over allegations of corruption and interference in administration.

BJP General Secretary and Karnataka-in charge Arun Singh leaves to attend a party meeting. (Image: PTI)

Bengaluru: Ever since rumblings within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka came out in the open after a section of the ruling party reportedly trying to push for unseating incumbent Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, state in-charge of the saffron party in-charge Arun Singh refuted the claims of change in leadership and assured strict action against those who spoke against the party.

"We will definitely take action against whoever will speak against the party. There are just 2-3 people who are speaking against the party. If you want to speak, speak against Congress' failure and about good works done by Modi and Yediyurappa govts," Singh said while speaking to reporters today.

Even CM Yediyurappa, earlier in the day, ruled out any political crisis saying that BJP high command will decide on action against party MLC AH Vishwanath for his recent "baseless statements".

"There is no political crisis at all…what is happening is just because one or two people (legislators) are saying something in the media, it is creating misunderstanding... these one or two people speaking against me is not new, they have been doing it since the beginning and it is getting highlighted,” Yediyurappa said.

Vishwanath has accused Yediyurappa's younger son and party vice-president B Y Vijayendra of interference in administration and “kickbacks” in an irrigation project.

Vishwanath has alleged that Vijayendra was not only interfering at all levels of administration, but also had taken kickback in the Rs 21,473 crore upper Bhadra irrigation project contract.

"My only grouse is against Vijyendra, who is pushing his father to the brink of sending him to jail once again. He is forcing his father to make all wrong decisions which may lead to repeat of the same circumstances in which Yediyurappa had to go to jail in 2009-10. This will be disastrous for the party in 2023," he said.

Meanwhile, Karnataka government has dismissed the allegation of disgruntled BJP MLC stating that government gave its administrative approval following the consent given by the finance department.

Ruling out the possibility of change of leadership in the state, Singh said that had he come to Bengaluru to discuss this issue, he would have met all MLAs instead of only those leaders who had sought an appointment.

"The very premise that I have come here to discuss change of leadership itself is a flawed one. There is no such reason to believe that anything needs to change here," he retorted.

Nearly 40 MLAs, and 30 chairmen of state-run boards and corporations met Singh for one-on-one discussions.

Even Karnataka Revenue Minister R Ashoka refued to claims of change in leadership and said: "BS Yediyurappa will continue as the Chief Minister. No MLA is talking about this. There are only one or two of them & we will take strict action within few days."