Highlights: Am not to blame for crisis, says defiant Yeddyurappa

Bangalore: BS Yeddyurappa today  offered some breathing space to his party by declaring that he is not quitting the BJP just yet.  However, he made it clear that he has the support of 70 of the party's 129 MLAs, and that they remain loyal to him.  The former Karnataka Chief Minister who faces a CBI inquiry ordered by the Supreme Court, now  wants his party leadership to replace his successor Sadananda Gowda.

Here are  the highlights of what the BJP strongman from Karnataka said at a press conference in Bangalore:

• I am not to be blamed.
• (Sadanand) Gowda and Ananth Kumar responsible for the problems.
• I respect Gadkari.
• Gowda is in power but I have the support of 70 MLAs.
• My supporters have urged me not to quit from the party.
• I have postponed the decision of resigning from the assembly.
  
• I was told I would be made Chief Minister, but I have been betrayed.
• Ananth Kumar wants to be the Chief Minister.
• Gowda is not a responsible Chief Minister; cannot govern properly.
• I had support of Vajpayee & Advani, now see what has happened.
• I have decided to tour the state.