Ready to step down: BSY

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Sunday said that he was ready to step down if the BJP high command wants him to do so.

His stand comes as there are speculations about a leadership change in the state on two grounds: Yediyurappa is 78 and the party feels that there is now a need to project a young face. Moreover, there is an unwritten rule in the BJP that leaders above 75 cannot hold a constitutional post; secondly, many party MLAs are upset over Yediyurappa’s son BS Vijayendra emerging as a de facto CM.

"...as long as the Delhi high command has confidence in me, I will continue as the CM. The day they will say they don't want me, I will resign and work day and night for the development of the state," Yediyurappa told reporters in response to a question on attempts to replace him.

"I'm in no confusion. They (high command) have given me an opportunity, I'm trying beyond my strength to utilise the opportunity for good. Rest is left for the high command," he added.

Amid talks that the party high command does not want to rock the boat in the state now as there is no alternative leader, the CM said he does not believe so.

"I won't agree that there is no alternative person. There will always be alternative persons in the state and the country, so I won't agree that there are no alternative persons in Karnataka, but until the high command has confidence in me I will continue as the Chief Minister."

“As long as the high command has confidence in me, I will continue as the Chief Minister”