In a resigned tone, the CM said he is waiting to receive a message from the party high command on July 25. “We are organising an event on July 26 to celebrate two years of our government. I will participate in the programme, and thereafter I will act according to what the central leadership decides,” Yediyurappa told reporters on Thursday.
Further, he clarified that he will not challenge the party’s decision even if it meant stepping down from the CM’s post even though two more years are left for the next assembly election. “Whether I am in power or not, I will work to strengthen the party and bring the BJP back to power in the next assembly election. I will discharge my duties as CM only as long as the party leadership wants me to,” he said.
On suggesting a successor to the BJP high command, the 78-year-old BJP veteran said he had no such plans and it was for the party high command to decide. “Even if they ask me, I will not suggest any names,” he clarified.
Yediyurappa also urged all his supporters and party leaders to maintain discipline and not make statements in his favour. “I request my supporters not to create any confusion or issue random statements. Please cooperate,” he said.
Acknowledging the expression of love and support he received from heads of religious institutions who have made a beeline for his home for the last three days, Yediyurappa said he felt blessed. “I will never forget their support, but I will act according to what the party decides,” he said.
After his statement, Karnataka leaders were seen in action in Delhi.
Yediyurappa’s political secretary and MLA, MP Renukacharya, was in Delhi to meet senior party leaders, including state in-charge Arun Singh. On Thursday, he met Union minister Prahlad Joshi and general secretary CT Ravi in Delhi along with Kolar BJP MP Muniswamy S. State minister B Sriramulu was also summoned to Delhi by the central leadership.