Will C.T. Ravi be next CM of Karnataka? Eshwarappa clarifies

Will C T Ravi, be the next chief minister of Karnataka if the BJP retains power in the state, is a question that is doing the rounds in the poll bound state.

The news made a buzz after it was claimed that the same was confirmed by former minister and senior BJP leader, K S Eshwarappa. He however denied making any such statement.

Eshwarappa who stepped down from electoral politics earlier said that Ravi is a good leader, but a decision on the CM face is not within his domain. "I do not have the authority to make such a decision and decide on who the party's CM face would be," he said.

He went on to add, "C T Ravi is a good leader. He is doing very good work in Chikkamagaluru. I did not say anything about him being the next chief minister. I have no authority to make such a statement," news agency ANI cited Eshwarappa as saying.

He however went on to add that Ravi being a prominent leader from the Vokkaliga community, he has all the qualities to become a future chief minister of the state.

Reports said that Eshwarappa was addressing party workers at a meeting in Nidaghatta near Chikkamagaluru. He said that he hoped that Ravi wins by a huge margin and becomes MLA and also chief minister.

The remarks come a day after Ravi himself had expressed his wish to become the chief minister, if the BJP returned to power.

On Monday, Eshwarappa had remarked that the BJP does not want a single vote from the Muslim community in Shivamogga.

"We do not want even a single vote from the Muslims. Nationalist Muslims will, however vote for the BJP," he had said.

The results of the Karnataka elections to be held on May 10, will be out on May 13.