From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Jul 24: Mines and Geology Minister Murugesh R Nirani, who belongs to the politically powerful Lingayat community and one of the key contenders to succeed Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, on Saturday stoutly denied rumours of lobbying for the coveted post and said he was ready to obey any decision taken by the BJP High Command.
Nirani, who represents Bilagi assembly constituency in Bagalkot district in North Karnataka and is Kalaburgi district-in-charge minister, speaking to reporters in Kalaburgi said he was just an ordinary BJP soldier and it was his duty to follow the party’s diktat.
The minister asserted that BJP is a disciplined party and unlike other parties lobbying for posts will not work in his party.
Reiterating his unstinted support to the Chief Minister, Nirani declared that Yediyurappa was his leader.
"Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa is our leader and he will continue to lead us. BJP high command is very strong and it knows what, when and who should be rewarded with positions," Nirani stated.
"There has been no instruction over replacing Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa. He is still our leader and we are all with him. BJP top brass will take a decision on the next person to lead the government and party and we have to abide by it," minister added.
Denying any lobbying for the top post from his side, Nirani said BJP top brass will pick the right person after due diligence.
"I have never lobbied for any post in my life. I will shoulder the responsibility bestowed on me by the party. Our national leaders will choose the right person for the Chief Minister’s post after considering all the factors," the minister said.
The minister clarified that he is not after any positions and will accept any responsibility thrust on him.
"All 120 BJP legislators are qualified to become the Chief Minister. I got many positions without aspiring for one. I was made minister by the high command after I got elected for the first time and even now I was bestowed with huge responsibility. I never aspired for any post in the past nor am I going to do now," Nirani clarified.
Downplaying his visits to temples, Nirani termed his visit to Varanasi, the constituency represented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Uttar Pradesh, insignificant.
"I have this habit of visiting temples since my childhood. I keep visiting temples once in a month or two months and there is no need to attribute specific meaning to my Varanasi visit. Some people attributed motives but my trip has nothing to do with politics. Our priority is to work and meet the expectations of the people who elected us," Nirani explained.
Reviews rain havoc, promises help
The Minister also reviewed the situation following heavy rains and said the State Government has been taking all the measures to mitigate sufferings of people.
He took stock of the prevailing situation in the district which is facing the monsoon fury for more than a week.
The minister held a meeting with senior officials and people’s representatives at the Deputy Commissioner’s office and assessed the damages caused by heavy rains in the district.
The officials briefed the minister about the rescue and relief operations being carried out by the district administration.
Addressing the media personnel after the meeting, Nirani said the government has been taking all the steps to help the people affected by monsoon fury.
"The Government machinery is working day and night to ensure the safety and welfare of the people. Heavy rains have been battering Kalaburgi for the past few days and causing misery and hardship to the people. We are undertaking relief and rehabilitation measures on war-footing. We hope rains will recede and normalcy will return soon," Nirani said.
Allaying fears, the minister assured the people of all possible help. "There is no need to worry. District administration has been taking necessary steps to protect the people and cattle. Villages facing flood threat will be evacuated. The Deputy Commissioner has already held talks with the Maharashtra officials and people living in the low-lying areas are being evacuated,’’ he said.
"The weather department has predicted heavy rains for the next three days and people living close to river banks and low-lying areas should move to safer places. Reservoirs, lakes and tanks are filling up fast and inflows into Krishna and Bhima rivers increase. People should not venture out unnecessarily," Nirani appealed.