Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, Nov 16: "There is no question of change in leadership of the party even after the assembly by-elections. Yediyurappa will continue as the Chief Minister of the state," said Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) Dr C N Ashwathnarayan.

Dr Ashwathnarayan was responding to the rumours that are making rounds in the political circles that the chief minister will be changed after the by-elections of December. Speaking to the reporters the DCM said, "There is no proposal at the party level of changing the leadership of Yediyurappa. They are just baseless rumours. Age factor will not be a hurdle for B S Yediyurappa to continue as the chief minister because when youngsters were at home, Yediyurappa has roamed the whole state and worked to build a strong BJP in Karnataka. The way he has handled the recent deluge situation is the proof for his ability and spirit.

"Yediyurappa has built the party. He has got the faith of people of all classes of society. All have supported his leadership. So he will continue as the CM. BJP is going to win majority of the seats in the by-elections. BJP government will be safe and secure for the next three and a quarter years. We will achieve whatever we have promised with respect to the development of the state. We are marching ahead with definite goals in our mind.

"There is no confusion with regards to issuing party ticket for Shivajinagar and Ranebennur constituencies. Due to certain reasons, it was not possible to issue ticket to Roshan Baig. Shankar did not show any interest to contest in the elections. So Yediyurappa has promised him to make MLC. In the case of Laxman Savadi also the party's stand is very clear. He will be elected legislative council in coming days.

"It seems it is a law of nature that the coalition government collapsed in the state and BJP government was formed. The political bigwigs joined BJP as they came to know that they do not have future in the party with which they were associated. So we could form the government. People, who have kept faith and sacrificed their party and positions, will be respected by the BJP."

When Dr Ashwathnarayan was questioned that BJP had fought against some of the disqualified MLAs, he said, "That is a forgone chapter. All have started afresh. They are with us."

"The position of DCM given to me is the suitable reward for the effort that I have put in the party. I have organized the party two and a half years ago without making any propaganda. I have discharged my responsibilities in an efficient manner from time to time as they were given to me by the party. Similarly, the position of DCM is also a responsibility that is given to me by the party," said Dr Ashwathnarayan clarifying that he was not appointed as CM under the quota principle but for his efforts.