The BJP National President Nitin Gadkari has ruled out change of leadership in Karnataka. Speaking to media persons after inaugurating the Chintan Manthan Baithak in Bangalore on Friday, the Party President said, Sadananda Gowda is leading the government now and the question of changing the leadership does not arise.

Gadkari ruled out reinstating former Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa into prominent position until he is absolved of all corruption charges. He also informed that Karnataka Core Group has been invited to Delhi on March 3 to discuss and resolve internal party matters. He admitted that there are problems in the state BJP, which will be resolved through dialogue.

Mr. Gadkari has made it clear that the party will definitely honour Yeddyurappa only after he comes clean from the cases he faces. He added that the BJP has reservations over the Lokayukta report on illegal mining that indicted Yeddyurappa. He hoped that Yeddyurappa will get justice early on this issue. He said all the state leaders have been asked to concentrate on the March 18 bypoll to Udupi-Chikmagalur Lok Sabha seat, which fell vacant due to the resignation of Sadanand Gowda.

Chintan Manthan Baithak was cut short from two days to half a day in Bangalore on Friday. BJP spokesperson C T Ravi said this was done to devote attention to the Udupi-Chikmagalur bypoll.