BS Yediyurappa says will continue to work for farmers' welfare

Bengaluru: Chief minister BS Yediyurappa said on Thursday that he will continue to work in the interest of farmers in his remaining term of three years.
The CM also used the opportunity of his 78th birthday celebration in the Bangalore Palace Ground premises to declare that he would complete the full term despite his age.

He said: “In the next three years, with your cooperation, I will try my best to improve the lives of farmers. I will work towards implementing minimum support price and irrigation projects.”

Defence minister Rajnath Singh, opposition leader in the legislative Assembly Siddaramaiah and BJP national general secretary BL Santhosh were among the prominent personalities present at the grand do.

Political leaders, cutting across party lines, showered praise on Yediyurappa at the event. Singh acknowledged his contribution in bringing the BJP to power in South India. “Yediyurappaji is one of the tallest political leaders in India. He is a born fighter and, once a fighter will always remain a fighter,” he said.

Yediyurappa's political rival Siddaramaiah said that he accepted the invitation to the event because he drew a line between politics and human relations. “I believe that political and ideological differences should not strain people's relationships,” he said, even as he drew a parallel between their political careers.

Earlier during the day, birthday wishes poured in from various political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Prime Minister tweeted: “Birthday greetings to Karnataka's hardworking CM @BSYBJP Ji. He is passionately working for the state's progress, especially on farmer welfare and rural development. I pray for his long life and good health.”

The bash, however, took place with an undercurrent of unease as a section of BJP leaders are said to be upset with Yediyurappa continuing to hold the CM's post even after crossing the age of 75 years (the upper limit for BJP leaders to hold an office).

There is also dissent brewing in the party over his leadership and decisionmaking abilities. A fortnight ago, an anonymous letter, purportedly written by disgruntled party leaders, sought an honourable exit for Yediyurappa from the CM's post and claimed that age was taking a toll on his health.