As BS Yediyurappa Hints Exit, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi Rebuffs Speculation On Succession

With BS Yediyurappa announcing he would abide by the instruction of the party's top leadership, Pralhad Joshi said he had no clue if the central leadership has asked him to resign.

Union Minister for Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi on Saturday said the BJP's top leadership has not spoken to him about the exit of Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa or him taking over as the successor. "It is only the media which is discussing the matter," Mr Joshi commented while dismissing the speculation. With BS Yediyurappa announcing he would abide by the instruction of the party's top leadership, Pralhad Joshi said he had no clue if the central leadership has asked him to resign. "No one has spoken to me about it (succeeding Mr Yediyurappa). It 's only the media, which is discussing it. As no one has spoken to me, there is no need to react to it," Mr Joshi told reporters. Asked "what if he is made the Chief Minister", the Union Minister quipped: "I never answer hypothetical questions with 'ifs' and 'buts'.. I don't want to answer such questions."