NDTV Exclusive: Basavaraj Bommai Says BJP Has Given Him "A Free Hand"
NDTV
Speculation about a change of guard in Karnataka has refused to die down despite BJP Bommai officially confirming that Mr Bommai will lead the party in the 2023 assembly polls in the state.
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai trashed talks about leadership change in the government, reiterating that he has been given a "free hand" by the BJP leadership.
In an exclusive interview with NDTV, he said "nothing is there", when asked a direct question whether he will be replaced.
Asked about how his predecessor BS Yediyurappa was removed as Chief Minister without a warning, Mr Bommai, who is 23rd Chief Minister of Karnataka, replied,"Every day is not a Sunday. High command has given me a free hand".
Accused by the opposition of being Mr Yediyurappa's 'puppet, Mr Bommai said that he "takes inspiration" from the former chief minister but denied reports that the senior leader interferes in "day-to-day affairs" of governance.
