Karnataka Minister In Delhi Amid Buzz About BS Yediyurappa's Exit

Murugesh Nirani, the Minister for Mines, hails from the Lingayat community like Mr Yediyurappa and is being seen as one of contenders for the chief ministerial post.

Amid heightened speculations about Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa's exit, state minister Murugesh Nirani arrived in the national capital on Sunday apparently to meet BJP leaders, party sources said. People close to Mr Nirani, however, claimed he is on a personal visit to the national capital. Earlier in the day, when Mr Yediyurappa was asked about his future, he said he would take an appropriate decision once he receives directions from the party high command on 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," the 78-year-old BJP leader said in response to a question on whether the directions from the high command were expected today.