I will abide by the decision of BJP leadership: Gowda

Time may be running out for Karnataka Chief Minister Sadananda Gowda. According to sources, the Bharatiya Janata Party's top leadership has indicated that there might be a change of guard at the Centre.

The beleaguered Karnataka CM, who met the party's top brass on Monday, told reporters that he would abide by any decision taken by the leadership.

"I have met the party's leaders and told them I will abide by any decision taken by them. I have requested them that if at all any change has to occur, it should be done in a democratic manner," he said.

Gowda meant that the opinion of all the legislators in the state assembly must be taken into account before any change is made. Gowda and other BJP leaders refused to comment on what exactly the top brass has decided, but sources indicated that the CM may be replaced by Jagadish Shettar.

A final decision is likely to be taken by BJP leaders on Tuesday evening and the party is expected to make an announcement by Wednesday.

The faction led by former chief minister M B S Yeddyurappa, which had revolted against Gowda's leadership, did not try any new stunts today. The nine ministers, who had tendered their resignations after claiming they had lost their faith in Gowda's leadership, withdrew them on Monday morning after an assurance by BJP top leaders that their demands would be fulfilled.