From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Dec 31: Stoutly scotching all political speculation over a change of leadership in Karnataka, chief minister B S Yediyurappa confidently asserted that he will continue to head the state for the next two years.

Addressing a news conference on the eve of the New Year 2021, a beaming Yediyurappa ruled out change in the leadership in the state.

The chief minister said there was no doubt about his continuity as the chief minister till the next Legislative Assembly elections in the state.

“BJP general secretary in charge of Karnataka Arun Singh too clarified that I am continuing as the chief minister and no change in the leadership,’’ Yediyurappa said. 

Asked about some legislators’ comments about the leadership change, the chief minister said a couple of MLAs have expressed their views, but those are their personal views and not the stand of the party.

He promised to sit and talk with party legislators and solve grievances of legislators by holding divisional-level meetings.

On the financial difficulties by the state owing to COVID-19, the chief minister said the state is likely to face financial constraints in the coming fiscal year too.

The state government is expected to face a revenue shortage of Rs 30,000 crore in 2020-21, the chief minister, who also holds the finance portfolio, said.

Yediyurappa said the year 2020 was an acid test for the government with the onslaught of the pandemic and floods.

“Despite the crisis, we will do our best to grant funds for priority sectors and major programmes announced in the state budget 2020-21,” he said.

The state has topped in attracting FDI even during COVID-19 pandemic. As many as 95 proposals worth Rs 1.54 lac crore have been received, he said.

“Though COVID-19 pandemic has come under control, we need to be cautious against the new strain of virus from UK and have to be vigilant,’’ he added.