The statements by two BJP leaders added fuel to the rumours that the party high command was considering a change in leadership in the State.
Minister Ramesh Jarkiholi, who spoke to journalists at the government circuit house here on Tuesday, said that if Laxman Savadi was lucky enough, he could be the Chief Minister.
“If he is lucky, let him be Chief Minister. Why do you say no to that,” Mr Jarkiholi said as if in jest and walked away.
This is different to what he said at the zilla panchayat meeting here on Monday. Mr. Jarkiholi had stressed that B.S. Yediyurappa would not only continue to be the Chief Minister till the end of this term but would also lead the party’s campaign in the next Assembly elections.
Meanwhile, Athani MLA Mahesh Kumthalli, who was accompanying the Minister, also made a similar remark. “If Mr. Savadi is lucky, he might even be Chief Minister. What is wrong in that,” he said.
Mr. Savadi’s followers have been circulating messages on social media that he would be the next Chief Minister. This follows his visit to Delhi to meet party leaders and Union Ministers and his visit to Governor Vajubhai Vala before leaving for Delhi.
