From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Jul 23: Obviously rattled by former Chief Minister and Lingayat strongman B S Yediyutappa’s sudden announcement of retirement from electoral politics and giving up his traditional Shikaripur assembly constituency for his younger son B Y Vijayendra, State BJP Vice President, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai called on his predecessor at his official residence Cauvery on Saturday and later made it clear that Yediyurappa will not be retiring and will abide by the decision of the party high command.

Speaking to waiting media persons outside Yediyurappa’s residence after his meeting, Bommai reiterated that the former Chief Minister is and will remain a powerhouse and guiding force for BJP. “Yediyurappa is neither retiring nor tiring. He will continue to work for the success of BJP in the coming assembly elections,’’ he said.

Bommai said he held a detailed and cordial discussion with Yediyurappa at his residence and the latter informed him that his supporters had asked him to continue in politics to build and strengthen the party when he visited his Shikaripur constituency and he had merely ‘’suggested’’ that he will not be contesting from the constituency in the next elections and asked the people to support his son Vijayendra.

The Chief Minister claimed that Yediyurappa has promised to attend his government’s first anniversary function at Doddaballapur on July 28, which he will be attending and has agreed to announce his plans for touring the entire State. “He has promised to tour the entire State for three days every week in the next nine months till the election and work for the success of BJP,’’ Bommai said.

Bommai also clarified that it is left to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national president J P Nadda and other Central party leaders to decide on the candidates for the assembly polls and he has agreed to abide by the decision of BJP high command.

“Let us put the controversy over Yediyurappa’s retirement from electoral politics to rest. He will be very much present and work actively to bring the BJP back to power,’’ he said.

Asked about Yediyurappa’s younger son B Y Vijayendra contesting in the assembly elections, Bommai said the party high command will take a decision and all will follow that. "Yediyurappa is a disciplined soldier and leader of the party and will follow the high command’s decision,’’ he said making it clear that the BJP needs Yediyurappa’s leadership and guidance.

To a question on KPCC Chief D K Shivakumar’s comment that a tall BJP leader like Yediyurappa, who had built the party, has been sidelined, Bommai said: "Let the Congress worry about itself as it is faction ridden. There are too many claimants for Chief Ministership. Let them sort out their own internal differences and squabbling instead of commenting on the internal affairs of BJP.’’