'Appropriate decision once I get instructions', says BS Yediyurappa on possible exit as Karnataka CM

Belagavi: Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa Sunday said he will take an appropriate decision, once he receives directions from the BJP high command this evening, regarding his continuation in the post. “By evening once it comes, you will also get to know about it, once it comes I will take an appropriate decision,” Yediyurappa said in response to a question whether the directions from the party high command in Delhi were expected on Sunday. To a question on pontiffs holding a mega conclave in Bengaluru Sunday, which is seen as expressing solidarity with him, he said, “there is no need for pontiffs to hold any meet, I have confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national President JP Nadda.” Questioned about a Dalit chief minister replacing him, Yediyurappa said, “I’m not the one to decide about it, it is for the high command to decide. Let’s first see what decision they will take today.” On being asked about his contribution in two years, he said, “if you are satisfied that’s enough for me.” Indicating that Monday might be his last day in office, Yediyurappa had recently said that based on the instructions that the Central leaders will give him on 25 July, he will get on with “his work” from the next day. His government will complete two years in office on 26 July. Meanwhile, scores of pontiffs are expected to participate in a “maga conclave” to be held here on Sunday, coinciding with the possible decision by the BJP central leadership on his exit. Dingaleshwar Swamiji of Balehosur mutt, who had held a press meet in Belagavi on 23 July to inform about the conclave with other Swamijis, had refused to connect the event directly with the possible leadership change, but it is being widely seen as an attempt to muster support to Yediyurappa and send out a message. Yediyurappa is in flood and rain ravaged Belagavi district to review the relief and rescue operation there. Noting that he will be visiting people affected by rains and floods, the chief minister said after visiting some affected villages and analysing the situation there, he will be heading back to Bengaluru. “By the God’s grace, rains have receded both yesterday and today and if the situation continues in the same way for the next couple of days, I’m confident that things will come under control,” he said, adding that rains receding in Maharashtra is a good sign.