HUBLI: Former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa categorically stated that he would never quit the BJP, blaming the media for rumours of him joining the Congress.
He told reporters at Hubli airport that he had struggled to build the party in the state and would continue to do so.
“Why should I quit the BJP, when the party has grown so much.
We will welcome leaders from other parties to join the party fold,” he added.
Yeddyurappa who visited the drought-prone taluks, stated that the state government was doing fairly well in addressing the issue.
“I have submitted a report on the drought conditions to the state government which initiated measures on a warfooting.
It has formed a committee which will be led by ministers,” he said.
Taking a dig at the Union government for not extending help to fight drought, Yeddyurappa accused the Centre of not releasing the remaining `400 crore grant under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.
“The Centre should immediately release `1,000 crore for relief works,” he demanded.
“Congress leaders are making allegations over the drought issue.
Let the state Congress Minister in the Union government impress upon the Prime Minister to release `1,000 crore,” he said.
Since the state is reeling under drought, it is not a favourable time for lecturers to launch an agitation, he felt.
He stated that he was unaware of the government’s intention to impose ESMA against the lecturers.
Yeddyurappa also refused to comment on the CEC.
S R Hiremath of NCPNR has been referring to the same old documents to defame me, he added.