HUBBALLI: Karnataka chief minister Basavaraj Bommai earned big relief on Tuesday with two central leaders rejecting any leadership change and stating that he will complete his tenure in the post.
On the first day of the twoday state executive committee meeting that began here, Union minister Prahlad Joshi and BJP national general secretary in charge of Karnataka, Arun Singh, declared that there will be no change in the leadership.
Sources said the party leadership has warned state leaders and workers against making any statement on possible change at the helm and said those who cross the line will be expelled from the party.
BJP national president JP Nadda did not attend the meeting due to rising Covid-19 cases. Another notable absentee was Bommai’s mentor BS Yediyurappa.
On possible cabinet reshuffle, Joshi and others said the decision will be CM Bommai’s “prerogative” and the state executive committee had no say in the matter.
‘Will work every day to bring BJP to power in 2023’
The leadership backing Bommai comes as a welcome respite for the CM amid a string of electoral setbacks, including in the Hangal bypoll in his home district of Haveri and a defeat in the council elections from Belagavi.
Bommai, in a reference to colleague MP Kumaraswamy’s statement the CM “needs to rest” said he has resolved to work for “15 hours a day through the year and does not require any rest”.
“I’ll work every day to bring BJP to power in the 2023 assembly polls. I’ve already started working hard. The national leadership, including Arun Singh, has faith in me. They have said the party will face the elections under my leadership. We’ve our own team, and we’ll face the election together,” he said.
