Beleaguered Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, facing indictment in the illegal mining report by Lokayukta, today asserted his government would complete its five-year term, and the question of his successor does not arise now.
“Central leadership has not asked me to step down. Only (HD) Deve Gowda, (HD) Kumaraswamy (JDS leaders) and Siddaramaiah (Congress leader) and you people (media) are asking”, Mr. Yeddyurappa told reporters.
The Chief Minister said he is working for the development of the State “day and night”, and had also been praised for fiscal management and then posed a question to the media, “Are you happy or not ?”.
He said he has not been summoned by BJP’s central leadership but pointed out that as a national party, he “talks to them daily”. “Ours is not like Deve Gowda’s party“.
Asked if he would dissolve the Assembly, the Chief Minister said, “After two years (when the term of the government ends)....we will go for elections (after two years).”
Asked if it would be amenable to him if the central leadership asks him to name a successor, Yeddyurappa said, “So far that question does not arise at all. Don’t presume things“.
The Chief Minister said once the Lokayukta submits the report, he would hold consultations with the Cabinet colleagues and legal experts and take appropriate action.
Mr. Yeddyurappa, who returned from the temple town of Tirupati, said he prayed for the welfare of the State.
Asked if he prayed for his “survival”, he said he is “100 per cent hopeful” that God will come to the help of those who work for the welfare of the people.
