The Hindu : Karnataka News : No need for deputy, says Yeddyurappa

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Monday, Aug 30, 2010
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Karnataka

Karnataka

No need for deputy, says Yeddyurappa

Special Correspondent

Media reports termed pure imagination

‘Cabinet expansion after the coming byelections'
Centre blamed for delay in amending Article 371

GULBARGA: Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa on Sunday categorically ruled out the possibility of creating a Deputy Chief Minister's post and said: “There is no question of somebody being appointed as Deputy Chief Minister during my tenure as Chief Minister.”

Mr. Yeddyurappa was reacting to reports appearing in a section of the media that Transport Minister R. Ashok may be appointed as Deputy Chief Minister. The reports were “pure imagination and had no basis,” he told presspersons here.

On the Cabinet expansion, the Chief Minister said that it was inevitable. This would be taken up after the byelections to the Legislative Assembly from Gulbarga South and Kadur constituencies. There was no truth in reports appearing in a section of the press that he had obtained the resignation of a few ministers, he said. “Definitely there will be new faces in the Cabinet,” Mr. Yeddyurappa said. He did not rule out dropping of a few ministers from the Cabinet.

Mr. Yeddyurappa said: “I am being targeted by everybody because I am doing some good work to curb illegal mining and export of iron ore.” On the comments of Governor H.R. Bhardwaj on the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill 2010, the Chief Minister said that he had no right to comment on a Bill passed by the Legislature.

He said that as the BJP member he was duty bound to support the dharna planned by the party to pressure the President to give her assent to the Bill.

On the delay in fulfilling the long-pending demand to amend Article 371, Mr. Yeddyurappa said that the Centre had to be blamed for its insensitive approach to it.

“I have waited patiently all these years for the Centre to respond positively to the demand. Now there is no other alternative but to lead an agitation against the Centre. I will lead the agitation seeking amendment to Article 371 to provide special status to the Hyderabad-Karnataka region for development,” the Chief Minister said.

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