Farmer Welfare Is Top Priority

B.S. Yediyurappa, the new Karnataka chief minister, took over to helm a BJP government on July 26 after the fall of the Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) coalition. With a thin majority to defend, a flood crisis in the state and thee deputy CMs crowding his turf, his task is by no means easy. The fourth-time chief minister talks to Group Editorial Director Raj Chengappa about his plans. Excerpts:

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Q. With just 105 seats (in a 225 strong house; 17 opposition MLAs who crossed over have been disqualified), you are left with a wafer-thin majority. Aren’t you worried about the government’s survival?

Not at all. The opposition Congress-JD(S) coalition will not last. I don’t think there will be any problem for us in the remaining 3.5 years of this assembly.

Q. Are you awaiting the Supreme Court’s ruling on the MLAs’ disqualification? Will the turncoat MPs now join the BJP ?

I have no idea about that. That has been left to their individual choice.

Q.