A day after Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, rumours began to spread about the possible resignation of the heavyweight BJP leader.
On Saturday (July 17), several media publications had erroneously claimed that BJP leader BS Yediyurappa offered to resign as the Chief Minister of Karnataka. While attributing the reports to unknown sources, media houses alleged that Yediyurappa had cited health concerns behind his decision to resign. India TV, which made such claims, wrote, “Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Saturday offered to resign on health grounds. According to reports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accepted the resignation of the Karnataka chief minister.”
ABP News also made such dubious claims. “Sources have informed ABP News that CM BS Yediyurappa has presented the proposal to resign citing age and health-related reasons. He will continue to deny the reports till the development is finalised, they added,” it wrote.
BS Yediyurappa clears the air surrounding his resignation
While speaking to reporters at the Karnataka Bhavan, the CM said, “Not at all. Not at all…There is no truth in the rumour…Yesterday, I met the Prime Minister and discussed in detail about the development of the State. I will again come back to Delhi in the first week of next month and discuss in detail. There is no value for that news (regarding change of guard in the State).”
I’ll speak to Rajnath Singh ji, Amit Shah ji, JP Nadda ji and also meet the Water Resources minister to get permission for the Mekedatu project: Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa, in Delhi pic.twitter.com/dWk2Xr2vVv
— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2021
BS Yediurappa has been at the forefront of backlash from his own party members including Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, Tourism Minister CP Yogeshwar and AH Vishwanath. They have accused the CM of corruption and allowing interference by his son Vijayendra in the administrative affairs of the State. They have demanded his resignation, while flouting warnings of disciplinary action. In his defence, he expressed his willingness to resign whenever the party asks him to quit.
