New Delhi: 

A new Chief Minister for Karnataka will be announced this evening — within 24 hours of the exit of BS Yediyurappa from the top post. The BJP has deputed two union ministers — Dharmendra Pradhan and G Kishan Reddy — as central observers for the state legislature party meeting, which is due around 7 pm.

Both leaders are on way to Bengaluru and will attend the meeting along with Arun Singh, the BJP’s state in-charge, sources said.

Asked who is likely to be picked for the top post, BS Raghvendra, party MP and son of Mr Yediyurappa, said it is “too early to say”.

“The BJP’s decisions can never be foretold. For example — Yogi Adityanath in Uttar Pradesh, Devendra Fadnavis in Maharashtra. Even the cabinet reshuffle was done based on several parameters. So it’s difficult to say,” he said.

It is only yesterday that the resignation took place. The high command is in a discussion to see who can head Karnataka. It will happen,” he added.