Yediyurappa meets Modi amid leadership change rumours

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Friday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi amid speculation about possible changes in the state leadership and the cabinet.

After a short 20-minute meeting, the CM told reporters at the Karnataka Bhawan in New Delhi that they discussed only the pending state works including the Mekedatu dam project over the Cauvery river.

"I requested the PM to facilitate early implementation of some state works. He has agreed for all," Yediyurappa said.

When asked if they discussed the possible changes in the state leadership, he responded with a smile, "I don't know. You have to tell."

The meeting came at a time political circles are abuzz with speculations of Yediyurappa being replaced as the chief minister.

Repeated open remarks by some disgruntled leaders within the state BJP targeting him and his family with accusations of corruption and interference in administration have embarrassed the party and the government, despite warnings of disciplinary action by the leadership.

Another section of the party is demanding the replacement of Yediyurappa, 79, citing his age and the need of projecting a new CM face ahead of assembly polls in 2023, sources said.

On possible cabinet rejig, Yediyurappa, before the meeting, said, "I will tell you if there is any such discussion with (party) seniors over the restructuring or expansion of the cabinet."

An official statement issued after the meeting said the CM discussed various state issues with the PM.

'During the meeting, the CM requested to declare Upper Bhadra Project as National project and also sought a financial assistance of Rs 6000 crore for Bengaluru Peripheral Ring Road project,' the statement said.

He also discussed the Mekedatu project and establishing a United States Consulate in the state, it said.

The chief minister's secretary, Gorish Hosur, was also present in the meeting.

Before the meeting, the CM had asserted the state has got every right to implement the Mekedatu project across the Cauvery River and will start the work.

Tamil Nadu has been opposing the project vehemently.

"They (TN) have been opposing us since the beginning but we have got our rights. I request them not to disturb us," he said, assuring Tamil Nadu that the implementation of the proposed project will not create any problem for them.

"I have written to them (TN CM) about the matter, but they are not letting us (implement the project). There is no need to have confusion. I want to assure my state that we will 100 per cent implement the Mekedatu project," he added.

Separately, the CM also met newly appointed four central ministers from Karnataka over a dinner at the Karnataka Bhawan here.

The CM also said he will meet some of the Center's key ministers including Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh on Saturday.