DVS is an able CM, says Yeddyurappa

Former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa has categorically denied differences of opinion in the State BJP, and stated that he, along with Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda and State BJP President K S Eshwarappa, will tour the entire State shortly to strengthen the party.

Speaking to mediapersons here on Sunday, Yeddyurappa said the leadership issue for  the next Assembly elections would be decided by the party central leadership.

He also made it clear that he was very much satisfied with the performance of Sadananda Gowda.
However, he refused to comment when asked whether Gowda would lead the party in the Assembly elections scheduled for next year. “I do not wish to comment as such matters are finalised by the party high command,” he said.

Yeddyurappa also did not comment when asked whether he foresees any important post for him in the government or the party. He said, he would concentrate on strengthening the party organisation to win a minimum of 150 Assembly and 23 Lok Sabha seats.

The former chief minister maintained that the political developments in the State were not discussed at the ongoing RSS camp in Hubli. “RSS leaders never interfere in matters of politics. Whatever appeared in the media regarding such discussion is not true,” he said.

To a query, he said, he too had not discussed any political issues with the RSS leaders at the camp, or had sought their advice in this regard. “We often seek advice from senior RSS leaders. But this time, I did not do so. I am here to take part in the camp as an ordinary member of the organisation,” he said.

Expressing discontent over the Opposition parties opposing the BJP government only for the sake of it, he said, the Leader of Opposition in Assembly Siddaramaiah and KPCC President G Parameshwara should base their criticism on facts.

There were 61 developed taluks in the State before BJP came to power and today the number has reached 100. Is it not an indication of development, he questioned.

He requested the Opposition to hold a healthy discussion on development of the State in the special Assembly session from January 30.

Later speaking in Hubli, Yeddyurappa said he does not aspire for any higher post, and he was just an MLA and BJP worker. “I will shoulder the responsibility assigned by senior leaders,” he said.

“Sadananda Gowda is an able chief minister, and I will extend co-operation to him. I have given suggestions sought by him, for preparing the budget. He will present a good budget,” Yeddyurappa said.