Yediyurappa BJP's nominee for CM post in Karnataka : Rajnath

Lucknow, Dec 24 (UNI) BJP President Rajnath Singh reiterated today that Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa would be the party's nominee for the Chief Minister for the last 20 months of the current term of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly under the J D (S)-BJP coalition in the state.

Welcoming Mr Yediyurappa at the podium of the National Council Mr Singh who was ratified as the BJP President for a three- year term appreciated the gesture of the Deputy Chief Minister in providing farm loans at four per cent in the state that too when he was handling the Finance portfolio.

"Mr Yediyurappa will be our Chief Ministerial nominee when the BJP will take over the leadership after J D (S) Chief Minister completed his 20 months in office," Mr Singh announced.

The announcement put at rest all speculation in the party circles as well as in Karnataka that the Deputy Chief Minister may not be retained as the BJP Legislature Party leader.

Mr Yediyurappa on his part felicitated Mr Singh on his ratification as party president by garlanding him with sandal wood garland and Mysore peta, the traditional turban worn in Mysore region of Karnataka.

UNI MCN RP HT1400