Amid speculation over leadership change in Karnataka, the state in-charge of BJP Arun Singh has clarified that Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai would continue in his post and there are no plans of changing the leadership.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, 3 May, Arun Singh maintained that, Bommai is a common man's CM. Singh said, "He is delivering good governance under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi."
"Even people want him to continue in his position. There is no answer for questions framed out of imagination. The issue of change of leadership in Karnataka is a matter of surmise," he said.
Answering a question on whether CM Bommai will be projected as the CM candidate for the upcoming Assembly elections, Arun Singh said Bommai is a common man. People want Bommai to become CM again.
It is people's wish that BJP should go to elections under the leadership of Bommai, he said.
PM Modi to Take a Call: BJP MLA Yatnal
However, BJP MLA and cabinet post aspirant Basanagouda Patil Yatnal stated that there would be change of leadership in the state on 10 May.
He said, "The CM might be changed. The high command is thinking of changing the leadership and Prime Minister Narendra Modi would take a call in that regard."
He had further stated that the party would go to elections in collective leadership. There is no chance of facing elections under the leadership of one man in Karnataka, he stated.
The statements have stirred a controversy and also triggered a debate in state political corridors.
BJP National General Secretary BL Santhosh had earlier hinted at massive overhaul of party leadership. He maintained that changing leadership is the strength of BJP party.
Former CM BS Yediyurappa has also clarified that there is no change in the leadership in the state.
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)