Basavaraj Bommai denied reports that BS Yediyurappa interferes in the “day-to-day affairs” of the regime.
New Delhi:
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has rubbished the talk of change of leadership in the government, saying he has been given a ‘free hand’ by the BJP leadership.
In an exclusive interview with NDTV, he said “nothing is there”, when asked a direct question whether he would be replaced.
Asked how his predecessor BS Yediyurappa was removed from the post of Chief Minister without any warning, Mr Bommai, who is the 23rd Chief Minister of Karnataka, replied, “Every day is not a Sunday. The high command has given me full leeway. “
Accusing the opposition of being a puppet of Yediyurappa, Mr Bommai said he “takes inspiration” from the former chief minister but denied reports that senior leaders interfere in the “day-to-day affairs” of governance.
Bommai said, “I take inspiration from BS Yediyurappa, his programme. He is a mass leader. His role is to help me govern. Yediyurappa does not interfere in my day-to-day affairs.”
Speculations about the change of power in Karnataka continued despite the BJP officially confirming that Mr. Bommai to lead the party in the 2023 assembly elections in the state.
Mr Bommai, 62, appeared to defend the rising tide of communal violence in the state led by Hindutva organisations, blaming it as a wave of attacks against Hindutva workers under the previous Congress government. This, he said, has created “discomfort and anger in the society”.
‘Do you expect nothing will happen after so many murders? My role is that of an umpire. I will soon go to the Muslim victim’s house.”
Describing himself as an ‘umpire’, the Chief Minister said he would take action against those who try to create law and order problems.
The chief minister also justified the anti-conversion law introduced by his government. He said, “Large illegal conversions are taking place in the state. Even my MLA’s mother was converted to Christianity.
Mr Bommai also supported the former minister KS EshwarappaHe had to step down after a contractor committed suicide accusing the minister of corruption.
“The allegations of corruption are politically motivated. The contractors who have leveled corruption allegations have the support of the Congress. The minister resigned on moral grounds,” he said.
Basavaraj Bommai, who took over as chief minister from BS Yediyurappa, completed one year in office on July 28.