BJP may ask Yeddyurappa to step down: sources

Mangalore Today / PTI

New Delhi, July 26 : Sources have told CNN-IBN that the BJP may ask Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa to step down on Wednesday if the Lokayukta report clearly indicts him in the mining scam.

 

Yeddyurappa on the other hand, sources say, favours dissolution of the state assembly and mid-term polls in such an eventuality.

Sources meanwhile have told CNN-IBN that the BJP central leadership does not agree with this view.

BS Yeddyurappa is in no mood to quit as Karnataka Chief Minister atleast not just yet.

Asked if he would resign, Yeddyurappa shot back and asked if the Prime Minister would quit just because the BJP was seeking his resignation..

Yeddyurappa also said he would meet the BJP’s national leaders in Delhi once he sees the Lokayukta’s report on the mining scam which will be out on Wednesday.

"There are many corrupt ministers in delhi, Prime Minister is a noble man but his circle is corrupt, so let him resign first and then let them talk about us. I will continue to be the chief minister for the two years and BJP will be in power for the next 20 years. After getting the report I’ll go to Delhi to meet Sushma Swaraj," he said.

Sources have told CNN-IBN that the BJP may ask him to step down on Wednesday if the report clearly indicts him in the mining scam

Sources say the party has already begun scouting around for possible replacements. Rural Development Minister Jagdish Shettar is the front runner.

Why Yeddyurappa must quit

Yeddyurappa’s continuance in the office will weaken BJP’s fight against corruption across India. If Yeddyurappa continues as Karnataka chief minister, it will give Congress grounds to accuse BJP of double standards.

Who will replace Yeddyurappa?

Sources have told CNN-IBN that Jagdish Shettar, another Lingayat leader, is a frontrunner to replace Yeddyurappa.

According to sources, State minister Suresh Kumar is among other names being considered. He is close to the RSS.

Karnataka Higher Education Minister VS Acharya is also among alternative names being considered for the post of Karnataka Chief Minister.