"No Chief Minister Change": Karnataka BJP As Leaders' Remarks Fuel B Bommai's Exit Buzz
NDTV
Those speaking of "rumours" in poll-bound state include BJP leaders like Basanagouda Patil, who earlier predicted BS Yediyurappa's exit
Days after Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Karnataka, the state BJP unit is busy addressing the buzz that the the party might change the Chief Minister again and free Basavaraj Bommai of the responsibility "by August 15".
Those speaking of change in the poll-bound state include BJP leader Basanagouda Patil, who had earlier predicted that BS Yediyurappa would be replaced with Mr Bommai — which is what happened a little over a year ago. Mr Patil recently made some cryptic statements that the high command will decide what's "best for the party", as did another senior leader, B Suresh Gowda.
But a section of senior leaders, including state unit boss Nalin Kumar Kateel, has sought to scotch these theories. Mr Kateel said Basavaraj Bommai "will complete his tenure".
Leaders' posturing aside, Basavaraj Bommai's position is being seen as jittery particularly after the recent murder of a BJP youth wing leader in Dakshina Kannada district. Even state unit chief Nalin Kateel faced protests from party activists who said the government failed to protect its own people.
