BJP MLA: BJP top brass tired of Yediyurappa, may replace him as CM

BJP's Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal stated that the party high command was tired of Yediyurappa and that the next chief minister would be from North Karnataka.

BJP's Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal has sparked off fresh speculation over a leadership change in Karnataka with his remarks that Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa 'will not be on the post for long'. 

He also stated that the party high command was tired of Yediyurappa and that the next chief minister would be from North Karnataka.

Addressing a gathering at the launch of construction works at a Hanuman temple in the city, BJP MLA Basangouda Yatnal is heard saying, "We received 125 crore as grants, which the CM only took. It started a fight between us. He does everything for Shimoga. He (Yediyurappa) won't be here for long. Even the high command is fed up. That's why MLA Umesh katti said will it be Shimoga CM or north Karnataka CM." 

"It's because of North Karnataka people that there's a CM for BJP. Who voted for BJP in Mandya and Kolar? Even the high command has realised that North Karnataka gives the most BJP MLAs. The prime minister has said too that the next successor of Yediyurappa will be from North Karnataka. I have fought with Yediyurappa over the cancellation of the special grant of Rs 125 crores for the Vijayapura city corporation. I appealed to him to restore it, but he did not. I am upset about it. I have told other party leaders about it. Some senior leaders agree with me that the CM will change soon," he said.

Similar calls for change in leadership had emerged last month too and that the 77-year-old Lingayat strongman could be given an honourable exit. The BJP had then dismissed them as baseless rumours. 

But Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal's remarks have rekindled speculations.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Govind Karjol though reiterated that there was no move to replace Yediyurappa