Karnataka CM hints that his exit might be imminent

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For the first time after the B.S. Yeddyurappa faction demanded his scalp, Karnataka Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda hinted on Wednesday that his exit might be imminent even as he sought to highlight the achievements of his 11-month rule.

The party's central leaders have told warring factions that a decision on leadership issue would be taken in the next four-five days, Gowda told reporters after meeting members of the public at his home-office 'Krishna'.

"I, (Jagadish) Shettar, (K S) Eshwarappa (state BJP president) have told the central leaders that we will abide by their decision. They said they will take a decision in four-five days," said Gowda, who returned here last night after consultations with the central leadership.

He indicated that he would take any decision in his stride. "I won't treat any decision in my favour as sweet or bitter if it's an adverse decision. I would take it as part of day-to-day activities," Gowda said.

The Chief Minister then went on to highlight the achievements of his Government in the last 11 months.

Gowda said he got an opportunity to lead the Government for 11 months and he discharged his duties very successfully and honestly and there is no 'black mark' during his rule.

He has not given any opportunity - either to the Governor or the opposition parties - to point a finger at him. There was no taint and people have 'accepted' his administration, Gowda said.

Gowda also sought to showcase the right to services act 'Sakala', enacted during his tenure, and noted that more than 45 lakh applications had been disposed of in just three months.

The Sadananda Gowda government had plunged into a crisis last week after a fresh bout of rebellion erupted with nine ministers from the Yeddyurappa camp submitting their resignations which they, however, withdrew after the central leadership stepped in.

Members of the Yeddyurappa faction including C.M. Udasi, Murugesh Nirani and Basavaraja Bommai, who had been vigorously pushing for the candidature of Jagadish Shettar to replace Gowda returned from New Delhi and held consultations with Yeddyurappa at his residence here.