From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, May 27: The simmering discontent in the state’s ruling BJP against chief minister B S Yediyurappa, especially the alleged corruption charges and interference of his younger son B Y Vijayendra in the government, and the widespread speculation about a change in leadership got a further fillip with tourism and environment minister C P Yogeshwar openly pouring venom against Vijayendra without directly naming the state BJP vice president.
Speaking to reporters after the state cabinet meeting presided over by Yediyurappa on Thursday, Yogeshwar confirmed that he had visited Delhi about a fortnight ago and last week on personal work and had discussed with BJP national leaders on some personal issues that have hurt him.
CP Yogeshwar (left), Vijayendra
"Is there anything wrong in visiting Delhi or meeting and discussing with the party’s national leaders on some issues?’’ he asked and wondered why insinuations and special significance being attached to his visits to Delhi or discussions with the BJP national leaders.
Yogeshwar, who belongs to the dominant Vokkaliga community in the Old Mysuru region, said the party has made him MLC and a minister. "I have no complaints against the party,’’ he asserted.
The tourism and environment minister clarified that he has no grievances or complaints at not being given a prominent portfolio and entrusted with the responsibility of being Ramanagara district in charge.
However, indirectly referring to the alleged interference in the government and corruption charges against Vijayendra without directly referring to him by name, he said he would never allow his on to interfere or take decisions in the ministry allotted to him. "In the same way, nobody else should interfere in the decisions of the government in the chief minister’s name,’’ he said and made it clear that such interference can never be tolerated.
"People are suffering due to the surge in Covid pandemic’s second wave and working for controlling the spread of the disease and helping the people is and should be the first priority of the government,’’ he said.
Answering a question on the speculation over the change of leadership in the state, the minister asserted: "I not such a big person to effect a change of leadership nor do I have the power to do so,’’ he said.
To a pointed question on whether he will extend support if the BJP high command decides to change Yediyurappa, he merely quipped: "Let us see when it happens.’’
He said many BJP legislators have demanded a meeting of the BJP Legislature Party and, therefore, the meeting will happen soon.
Yogeshwar mentioned that Yediyurappa’s staunch loyalist M P Renukacharya and many other legislators were speaking against him. "I will give a fitting reply to them in due course. I cannot discuss all issues before the media. There are some issues that need to be discussed within the party platforms. I have done my duty and shared my views with the party leadership,’’ he said.
The BJP leader said his immediate goal is to work for strengthening BJP and ensure the party’s victory in the coming assembly elections in 2023. "I want to win from Channapatna assembly constituency again,’’ he said and made it clear that party and government must work in coordination keeping in mind the next assembly elections.
"I have discussed many issues within the party and have also discussed with the chief minister immediately after becoming MLC," he said adding: "Steps must be taken to strengthen the party in the Old Mysuru region.’’
Yogeshwar that the present government in the state is not entirely that of BJP and it involves adjustments among the three major parties. "I have said this before and reiterate it again. There is an understanding between Congress, JD(S) and BJP. The present government is a government of adjustments among the three parties,’’ he said.