BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil questions need for deputy CMs in K'taka

Bengaluru: BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil on Thursday questioned the need to have deputy chief ministers in the state when Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa is capable enough to take up the responsibility.

The state has three deputy chief ministers C N Ashwath Narayan, Govind Karjol and Laxman Savadi.

The MLA has been sulking after Savadi was given the post despite losing the 2018 assembly election from Athani.

“Just one chief minister is enough. Others can be ministers. Why do we need deputy chief ministers when there is no recognition to that post in the Indian constitution?” the Bijapur City MLA told reporters at Vijayapura.

He said there was no need for deputy chief ministers.

“Our Chief Minister is quite capable. Other ministers can work under him,” Yatnal added.

Asserting that he was not in the race for a ministerial post, Yatnal said development of the district itself is sufficient for him.

He, however, asserted that he was ready to take up ministerial responsibility if Yediyurappa assigns him.

“If Yediyurappa gives me the responsibility, I will take it up,” he said.

The MLA recently flayed the party leadership saying they ignored Yediyurappa when he tried to meet them in Delhi demanding grants for relief works in north Karnataka which was ravaged by floods twice this year.