"Systematic Conspiracy": BS Yediyurappa Rubbishes Claims Of Son's Interference In Karnataka Government

Rubbishing claims that his son BY Vijayendra was "interfering" in the administration, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa today said that a "systematic conspiracy" was going on to unnecessarily bring in his name to create confusion.

The Chief Minister said he was in Delhi to discuss cabinet expansion and issues relating to the development of the state with the Prime Minister and BJP National President, as he rejected speculation about his recent meeting with JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy.

"It is natural that people cannot tolerate those who are growing. Vijayendra in no way at any moment interfered (in administration). As state Vice President (BJP) he is doing his duty by travelling across the state to strengthen the party," Mr Yediyurappa said in response to a question.

Speaking to reporters after laying the foundation for the reconstruction of Karnataka Bhavan-1 "Cauvery" at a cost of Rs 120 crore in Delhi, he said, "some people are indulging in a systematic conspiracy to unnecessarily bring his (Vijayendra) name and create confusion."

Leader of the Opposition in the assembly, Siddaramaiah on Thursday had said Mr Vijayendra was the de facto chief minister, accusing him of interfering with the administration.

"Vijayendra is the de facto CM, whereas Yediyurappa is the de jure CM," he had said.

Recently, the Congress had taken exception to Mr Vijayendra allegedly holding a meeting with the government medical officers and sought to know who gave him the power for such an interaction though he did not hold any Constitutional position.

There have been allegations of Mr Vijayendra's interference in the administration by opposition and few within, ever since BJP came to power last year, a charge rejected by Mr Yediyurappa.

Earlier today, before he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister said he will discuss all the issues concerning the development of the state, also cabinet expansion.

"... discussion also has to happen regarding the cabinet expansion, I will bring it to his notice and take clearance and leave for Bengaluru tomorrow," he said, adding that he will meeting BJP national President JP Nadda in the evening.

Cabinet expansion or reshuffle is expected to be a tightrope for the 77-year-old leader, considering too many aspirants, reported news agency Press Trust of India.

While several old guard are waiting for a chance to be inducted into the Ministry, those who defected from the Congress and JD(S) like AH Vishwanath, R Shankar and MTB Nagaraj, who are now BJP MLCs, are also aspiring for slots.

The cabinet currently has 28 members and six berths are still vacant.

According to news agency PTI, there are also strong speculations about the possible change in leadership in the future, considering Mr Yediyurappa's age. However it has been rejected by senior party leaders like its state President Nalin Kumar Kateel, Minister R Ashoka among others.

To a query about his recent meeting with JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy, Mr Yediyurappa said there is no room for any speculation.

"... as an opposition party leader he (Kumaraswamy) had come to my home office Krishna to discuss the issues pertaining to constituencies of his party MLAs.

No other things have been discussed, there is no need for it also. We have the majority and we will give a stable government in the remaining three years," he added.
 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)